Fun Things For Swapping

I have noticed a few swaps going on right now and I have decided to join a couple of them myself. I'm excited because this will be my first time swapping. I have gathered a few items all under $10 that might be fun to put in a package.

Paper Deco Tape Sticker {Nothing Elegant}

Aqua and Pink Chipboard Letters {may third}
Paper Garland {Art by Naomi}

1 Piece Pom Kit {Pom Love}
Stickey Notes {Galison}
Moleskin Pocket Journal {Anthropologie}
Patterned Rubber Bands {Russell+Hazel}
Recycled Paper - Lead Pencil {Nothing Elegant}
Flower Shaped Paper Clips {See Jane Work}

Polka-Dot suitcases {Bake It Pretty}
Lucite Ring {Jaime Beattie}
Inspiration Set Photo Prints {Simple Sparrow}
Pom Pom Maker {Urban Outfitters}

Weekend Delights

{Living etc}

A pretty patio for summer entertaining

A sweet drink to make your summer swizzle

A surprise package from the postman

A new magazine to inspire your creativity

Thursdays Creative Thrift

Before...

After!

This stool turned plant stand and other salvage makeovers found at Sunset magazine.

{seen at Little Hen Designs}

July Giveaway

A few more days to join the July Giveaway at Love. Obsess. Inspire.

Power in Words

{31 Experiment}

Words can be powerful. They can lift you up or bring you down. There are a few blogs that I enjoy reading daily, because they consistently write uplifting and encouraging words. They have an optimistic outlook instead of a pessimistic one. I need to be reminded daily to change my thought patterns from negative to positive. These illustrations definitely help with that. I used Ashley's first Making Peace illustration in one of my posts here, and when I saw that she created two new designs I had to share them with you. Ashley shares free downloads of her new Making Peace Illustrations here.

New Blogging Templates

I'd like to change up my blog a bit. I found a great site that has templates that can be customized to your liking or used as is. Ellie can create just what you want right here.

Thursdays Creative Thrift

From Inspiration...

{Image from Schoener Wohnen via The Estate of Things}

To Handmade Creation...

One big exersize ball, 7 packages of yarn, lots of liquid starch and voila, a beautiful homemade pendant lamp. This handmade creation is the work of Betsy from The Estate of Things.

{seen via say YES! to hoboken}

Love Bottles

I love these Love Bottles, a reusable glass water bottle made partially from recycled glass. It has a ceramic swing top lid that creates a water-tight seal. Write your own words on your Love Bottle or customize it with silicon bands or stickers.

More Delightful Blogs and a few facts about Me

{New York - the paris apartment}

I've been awarded the Premio Meme award from Claudia over at the paris apartment. Thank you so much Claudia for honoring me with this award and sharing some of my finds on your blog. {Award requirements - give 7 facts about yourself and then pass the award onto 7 other people.}

Seven Facts about myself -

1. Chai tea lattes made with soy milk from Starbucks are my favorite. To save money I buy the same latte mix that Starbucks uses at Target and make them at home.

2. I was a gymnast in Junior High and High school and taught gymnastics for 8 years before I had my son. I always dreamed of being an Olympic gymnast.

3. I've been married for 13 years to the love of my life. We both believe in Jesus Christ / Yeshua (His Hebrew name) as our savior. The deeper our relationship gets with the Lord, the deeper our relationship gets with each other.

4. My 17 year old son Darren just got his license and a car and makes me nervous every time he goes out to drive. He loves the freedom and is much more happy and cooperative lately, so I'm good with that.

5. I worked for the Boeing company in the technical capacity for 15 good years and then decided I wanted to do something more creative. In 2005 I quit Boeing and went to school for 2 years to get my Associate of Applied Science degree in Interior Design.

6. I enjoy reading all the creative, artful and design blogs out in blog world as well as reading interior design books and magazines.

7. I have been homeschooling my son for the past year and a half. We have one more year and then I'm off to accomplish my creative dreams. I'm working out all the details as we speak. I'm excited for that time, but enjoying the time I have now as well.

A few delightful blogs that I found -

Simple Sparrow

Toni is talented photographer, all around crafter and mother of five. You can order some of her beautiful prints right here at her etsy shop .

Olivet

Mary is planning her wedding and has a beautiful blog where she shares her favorite ideas and discoveries and is dedicated to living life - simply, sustainably and stylish.

hooray

Alli Michelle is an event planner. On her blog she shares her creative ideas, cozy homes and lovely design.

Rose Deniz

Rose is an artist and illustrator living in Turkey. She shares her sewing, art and design and different things about life in Turkey.

Sparkling Ink

Tiina shares her ideas about cooking, entertaining and her favorite finds from magazines.

Modern Crush

An artist and crafter from California. You can order these beautiful crowns from her etsy shop.

According to Kelly

Kelly shares about her life staying home, keeping house, crafting, cooking and being a wife and mom.

Happy Monday

{found via Simple Sparrow}

Thursdays Creative Thrift

{found via Olivet}

Did you know that pillowcases aren't just for pillows anymore? maya*made these sweet summer dresses from vintage pillowcases.

Pretty Little Patterns

My mother taught me to sew when I was young. I used to sew a lot - all kinds of things, from clothing to costumes to crafty little things, but then came along work, my son's activities, the Internet and too many unnecessary obligations. My sewing machine was put away in the closet only to be taken out for boring old mending chores. Lately it has been calling to me, saying "take me out Melissa, dust me off, create something, sew something, your creative little hands will be happy!" These Colette Patterns from Sarai Mitnick are inspiring my creative mind today.

I love the linen covers, stitched binding and wash of pink and blue colors on these pattern books.

{found via Rose Deniz}

These vintage inspired patterns are the creation of Sarai Mitnick of Portland, Oregon. You can see all her patterns, designs and dresses at Colette Patterns or visit Sarai on her personal blog, Sweet Sassafras.

U.S.A. Independance Day!

Happy 4th of July from Seattle!

Happy Birthday my "Sweet Land of Liberty"

{Flag Cake Stand - Martha Stewart}

Downloads for your DIY 4th of July
Make your own Fireworks
Stand up and sing your favorite song

Don't forget your gift for the party

Thursdays Creative Thrift

wrought iron turned soft

Lydia Lee created this embroidered headboard and shows us how to create our own on Design Sponge.