Thinking About Trying Something New

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I'm thinking since it's summer (and summer = fun times), I will try something new. Trying new things is fun. In fact, I think I am so addicted to trying new things when it comes to crafting that I rarely truly perfect something. It's always so much more fun to create something new. So really, when you see stuff on my blog, chances are it's the first time I've ever attempted that kind of thing. If I do something twice, I either really really love it or it's a variation of something I've done before so it still feels new. Anyone else do this? 

So I'm sure my first picture gave you a hint, but the new thing I'm trying is: Mosaic art.  

The idea really came because I already have these lovelies:

Yeah. Hideous, I know. They were given to me once by a family member who knew I needed kitchen supplies and didn't want them anymore. I am very grateful for the donation and I even used them every now and then, but that eagle is just too much. I just knew those plates would be much prettier in little pieces.

Another reason I thought I might try mosaics is to add some excitement to my porch. 

Since I currently live in an apartment, the only way I can garden is through pots. I'm cheap so I don't buy the super cute fancy pots and instead plant mostly in terra cotta pots. The beauty of the flowers usually make up for the lack of excitement from their containers, but more color is always better, right?

Here are some beautiful mosaics I've found while searching for inspiration. No, I don't expect mine to turn out anywhere close to being as awesome as the following, but I can dream, right? 

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MOSAIC DRESS!!!! Yes, please. 

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This is probably my fave.

I found some more dishes while thrifting so I'd be able to add more color.

Now, do I really know how to do mosaics? No, of course not. But I watched a video series from youtube on what materials to use, how to get started, and the process... and I'm feeling ready to try it.

If you need me, I'll be breaking stuff. 

 Told you they'd be prettier. Yesssss.

This project isn't meant to be professional, just fun. Have any of you tried mosaic art? I'd appreciate any friendly advice if you have!

Stay tuned for an update! 

Great Ideas for the 4th!

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Our great American holiday is approaching quickly. Have I made anything for it yet? Nope.

So for the past few weeks I have not been motivated to complete any projects I'd started or to do anything new either. Sometimes I just get in a rut and would rather read, watch SYTYCD, or lay by the pool than do anything craft-related. After starting on some jewelry I'm making for bridesmaids at a friend's wedding, however, the creative itch began and it kept growing. Now I have so many things I want to do, I don't have enough time to do them. Does this ever happen to you?!

Since I've been working on the jewelry this weekend (and plan to show it off sometime later) I have nothing I made to show you. Instead I rounded up some great 4th of July projects I've found around blog-land that I love. These, along with others, have inspired me to get working on my own.

Enjoy!

4th of July Pie

at Creations by Kara 

Mmmm.

A Casually Cute Knit Dress

at I Made it on Monday

I love this one. She uses plain elastic as a belt outside her dress. It's not attached so she can change the look of her dress by moving it up and down her torso/waist/hips. Perfect!

Patriotic Doily Banner

at the Scrap Shoppe

Made using the Silhouette :)

Red White and Blue Bustle Dress

at Heart Break Kids

This is the cutest ever, right?

Scrap Wreath

at Sassy Sanctuary

I love scrap wreaths!! 

Feeling Patriotic?

Yeah, me, too. 

 Hopefully I can actually post something I made soon. :) 

Pinterest Addiction

I just wanted to take a moment to talk about how much I love this internet sensation, Pinterest. If you don't know about it, you've been living under a huge rock. This website is fabulous. The basic point is that you can "pin" images (save) onto categorized "boards" (folders, kinda) and the image is linked to the website it originated from. I joined because I thought it'd be great to convert my already-saved-bookmarks into bookmarks with pictures so I could find things easier. But then I realized it is one of the best place for inspiration. For just about anything.

For example, I never cook. And yet, I've been inspired to actually cook these things. And they were awesome. They have all been pinned to my "Recipes to Try" Board. And I actually tried them!

1. Apple Spice Pork Chops, 2. Turkey Pesto Sliders, 3. Spinach Artichoke Pasta 4 Rocky Road Brownies

And these are the recipes next on my list:

1. Grilled Cheese Update: Avacado, Bacon, Sourdough, Pepperjack...., 2. Campfire Cones!!

I've found some great ideas for school, too. It's so great because my friend, Arianne, is a crazy teacher blog follower like I am a craft blog follower and since I "follow" her on pinterest I get to see her favorite finds! I could just follow the blogs myself, but I run out of time. :( Arianne also has a blog where she shares her fabulous ideas for teaching kindergarten. Check it out here!

1. Sight Word Chants with Free Printable, 2. Fabric Book Slings, 3. Homemade Play Dough,
 4. Make Words with Blocks, 5. Sandpaper Letters Kit

The board that has the most pins, probably, is my "Wanna Wear It" Board where I post things I would love to own.

1. Yellow, Gray, and Cream, 2. Wrap Watch, 3. Big Rock Dress, 4. Cardigan, Lace, Chiffon, Pearl Love, 5. Apothecary Skirt, 6. Hedgehog Necklace,  7. Bow Tie Shorts 8. Feather Stacked Rings,

Of course, if you hadn't figured it out yet, Pinterest is a dream for crafters. I have so many projects saved on categorized, easy-to-find boards like "Women's Sewing", "Jewelry Ideas", "General Crafts", etc. Heaven.  A cool part about pinterest is you can "repin" others' pins. Once you repin 5 of their things, you can just go to their boards to find out they have the same taste as you and then find even more projects to pin from their "boards". Once you follow them your page will be updated with all the new stuff they pin. Awesome. Here are some things that are on my to-do list.

1. Fabric Bows, 2. Super Simple Summer Skirt,  3. Angel Top,  4. Awesome Knot Necklace,  5. Word Garland, 6. Striped Knit Cardigan, 7.  Gorgeous Braided Bracelet ,  8. Little Man Bowtie Onesies,  9. 4th of July Wreath

And then it is a great place to save pictures that you think are just cute and/or awesome.

1. Stylin',  2. Upward Dog,  3. Love,  4. Baby Dwight Halloween Costume,5.  Yoga Cat, 6. Baby Leia

So if you'd like...

I will warn you: this website is highly addicting. I think to myself, "I really should just get up off my butt and go make something," but then I find something else...

I apologize for the lack of posting lately, especially craft posts. I am working on some things, but can't get the motivation to finish them. I also just started teaching summer school and am still trying to balance my time-you know, between catching up on DVR and going to the pool and throwing some sewing and lesson plans in there as much as I can. New stuff coming later this week. 

Promise, promise, promise. 

Craft and Sewing Websites to Spend Hours On

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How did I not know about craftgawker until yesterday?

 If you've never been there, you're gonna look just like that surprised monkey up there  when you click on that link above.

Craftgawker is a website where crafters can upload beautiful pictures of their crafts and others can go through them for inspiration. When you click on the picture it takes you directly to that crafter's site.

I've been "gawking" for hours ever since my friend, Emily sent me the link to craftgawker. 

I've bookmarked a several things and even submitted some of my projects, too. 

(I'll keep you updated if my projects get accepted to go on the website.)

Here are just a few of the many awesome projects I've found through this website. 

Spring Wreath at KikiCreates  

Etsy Shop Feature at Green Eyed Monster  

Owls in Love Pillow at Bustle and Sew (LOVE this one.)

If you've never heard of craftgawker, read more about the site here.

Also, I recently discovered 

Burda Style

If you've been living under the same rock as I have, here's the info (taken directly from their site):

BurdaStyle is a place for people who sew or would like to learn. Our aim is to bring the traditional craft of sewing to a new generation of fashion designers, sewing hobbyists, DIYers and anyone looking to sew something. The website offers free and inexpensive sewing patterns (including many that are copyright-free), step-by step sewing tutorials, skill sharing, inspiration, project ideas and people passionate about sewing.

 So many great ideas and talent on that site! 

Here's a pattern I found on there for free!

Curved Ruffled Clutch

With all the hours I've spent browsing on Burda Style and Craftgawker, I haven't finished any crafts of my own. Get your priorities together, Allie. 

Working on some St. Patty's day ideas. See you soon!