Pretty DIY Constellation scarf!

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I’m starting a new series called Weekly Findings, where once a week I’ll be posting things I find, whether that be images, resources, links, or articles that I like, love, am inspired by, or find funny/cute.  Sort of like a weekly round up of pretty things to look at and interesting things to read.  Here goes my first one:

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Yesterday I had to bare the cold weather when I went to Dana Tanamachi‘s talk at Parsons that AIGA hosted.  I haven’t been back at Parsons since graduation and it was one of the best reasons to be back.  I don’t remember the first time I saw her work that completely mesmerized me, but I was hooked instantly.  I’ve always been a sucker for hand lettering work. I would kill to have any ounce of that kind of talent and patience.  I blame my lack of patience for being able to go into that field of work.  I also have horrible handwriting, so I think I’m all out of luck in that department.  Anyway, hearing about anyone’s process I think is inspiring and her’s included, she mentioned a book that my sister actually recommended me read a few months back, which was Quitter by Jon Acuff.  To be honest I only read through the first couple of chapters and I never finished (haha), but I do think it’s a really helpful book for people at a crossroads between their day job and their dream job.  I agree to staying at your day job while doing things that you love on the side, however, if your day job is burning you out then I think it’s at your best interest to leave.  Once you feel burnt out you have no energy to be creative or feel inspired, honestly you just want to go home and sleep.  I guess I speak from my own personal experience.  Everyone’s different.

Dana spoke about anonymity and how you can use that to grow, make mistakes, and learn without the pressures that comes with being in the spotlight.  I guess I never thought of it that way and now I realize it’s so important to focus on the positives while growing in your creative practice, and anonymity isn’t such a bad thing.  Towards the end of her talk she did a brief QA with the audience and something  she said that really stuck with me, which I think is relevant for everyone in any field, was:

Progress, not perfection.

Keeping chugging along, you’ll get there as long as you keep going.

* Image above is of alphabet paperweights by Dana Tanamachi with West Elm.

I’ve been looking for a body pillow (or any long pillow) to use as a head rest ever since I got rid of my headboard and I haven’t found any pillow covers I liked, so I decided I will just make it myself.  I plan on using this same technique I used for my DIY polka dot box pattern onto fabric, easy peasy.  If you’re also thinking of stamping onto fabric I found this nifty post showing comparisons of different stamp pad inks on fabric.  I personally use ColorBox and it has never failed when I use it for stamping.  I’m still deciding on what color fabric to use, how big/small I want to make the polka dots, and if I want the two sides to be different (polka dots on one side and a solid color on the other).  In the meantime here are some polka dot pillows I found on Etsy that I love:

1. Throw pillow case, svetastyle, $25
2. Vintage red polka dot case, fallaloft, $24
3. Dots pillow, Kissenstudio, $14
4. Linen pillow cover, pillowlink, $24

Let’s just say once you’re well into a relationship gifting starts to get a bit harder for Valentine’s Day, or any occasion, but I realize it doesn’t always have to be so complicated (or expensive!).  Here are some simple and affordable gifts that you can give for a good laugh, a day to relax, or a way to say I love you.

1. Customizable Collar Stays, NiciLaskin, $12
I think these are such a great gift to personalize.  Sometimes personalizing/engraving things can get cheesy, but I think these have just the right sentiment and subtly.

2. Bath Bombs, Lush, $5 and up
What girl doesn’t like to relax and lay in the tub?  Guys may never admit it, but I’m sure they’ll use you as an excuse to use one of these too!

3. You Are My Queen / You Are My King Letterpress Cards, Lisa Congdon for Hello!Lucky, $4.50 ea.
I fell in love with these cards when they were released.  You can write your letters and then frame them!

4. Knock Knock Notepads, Knock Knock, $6 and up
I always seem to gravitate towards these to read at the store, some of them are so funny to read and I’m sure even more funny to fill out.

5. Cucumber Mint Gumball Candle, Mine Design, $22 (cheaper at Urban Outfitters)
Candles never fail, and this candle’s packaging doubles as something pretty to look at / display in your home.

6. Heart Mugs, West Elm, $8
I think surrounding yourself with pretty things is a mood booster, even if it’s a mug sitting on your desk, and you can fill these up with miscellaneous goodies like their favorite candy or little trinkets.

I spent this week organizing, de-cluttering, and moving things around in my room.  I’ve been wanting to make an inspiration board, open up the space around and on my table, and just organizing and cleaning things up on my shelves.  It’s kind of crazy how the littlest things around you can affect you.  I also think adding trinkets – a photo, a cute figurine, a candle, a toy, something personal – can help make your desk more fun when you’re doing work.

Here are some helpful sites I found that really helped jumpstart my inspiration:

Sarah Wandering
Great images for home decor, interiors, and DIY tips.  She even posts things she changes/adds to her own home, which is so personal and inviting.

Design*Sponge – Before + After
You can always count on Design*Sponge for anything home and design related, but the Before + After series they have on there is really great to look at to get lots of new ideas or revamping things you already own.

IHeart Organizing
Everyone needs some organization in their lives, especially if you have your own office it’s hard to just function when everything is out of order!

Pinterest
I never took to using Pinterest…until it came to finding inspiration for home decor, organization ideas, pretty much anything you need to get yourself excited about revamping your space, even if it’s just your desk or shelf!  I even pinned a few of my favorites onto a board as well to keep track and to reference back to in the future.