DesignLoveFest Watercolor Desktop Background

Hannah and Kelty, co-columnists of Dress Your Tech on DesignLoveFest, created two wonderful watercolor desktop backgrounds free to download.

via

The vibrant teal and pink watercolors feel like the moment spring hints at summer. The blue reminds me of the summertime sky at the Lake (Lake Michigan for non-Michiganders).

Screenshot of my desktop.

I love the teal watercolor as my desktop background. Thank you ladies for creating such lovely backgrounds!


Originally found on Pinterest; I pinned (teal | pink) them in my tech downloads board.

For Love of Thrift

Mondays are usually cleaning day. Today I had a routine doctor's appointment. Since I had to fast so that they could draw blood (for insurance), I treated myself to a coffee as well as grilled cheese and broccoli soup from Panera. Afterward, I stopped at TJ Maxx and St. Vincent de Paul.

Here are a few of my thrifty finds.

Lace

Planter

1956 Composition book

I overheard an interesting spiritual conversation at the thrift shop. It is not the first time. Is it because of the nature of charity, I wonder? Or is it the deeper spiritual understanding that comes with having less to cloud the mind?

I am still pondering this. What are your thoughts?

Vintage Find: Geometric Scarf

I enjoy searching for treasures. So when I found a $1.99 vintage scarf at St. Vincent de Paul, I thought it was a bargain.

Brand: Echo
Made in Japan
100% Silk

The scarf features gray and yellow geometric lines, and it is in excellent condition.

At the checkout, the cashier looked at the scarf. "Is that all you are getting?"

"Yes." I tried to hand her my debit card.

"It's yours."

I wasn't sure I understood her. "Excuse me?"

She indicted the door. "It's yours. Have a nice day."

I thanked her several times before I left.

In the car, I reviewed what had just happened. I am fairly certain she did not want to run the card because of merchant charges. I felt blessed by the cashier's gift, but I knew that I could not accept it. While I do not have a lot of money, I live comfortably. I found some change and went back into the store to put it in the donation jar.

And I will do it again the next time I visit.

St. Vincent de Paul seeks to end poverty through systemic change. Donations provide direct assistant to the local community; they provide aid for those who cannot afford bills such as funeral expenses, job training, and rent. Many Jackson residents struggle with basic needs, and St. Vincent de Paul does its best to serve them.

It is wonderful to snag a deal, but shopping at thrift shops has a greater purpose: supporting the less fortunate. 

My New Favorite Pen

When you are a writer you must choose your materials carefully. Your notebook has to be the right dimensions, and your pen has to all for the quick transfer of your ideas to the page.

As a left-handed writer, I need a pen that writes smoothly yet dries quickly. Gel pens tend to smear, and do not let me write small enough. Most ball point pens tend to have cheap construction, the ink fades in and out, and they do not seem to last as long as they should.

I have finally found my perfect pen: the Zebra F-301.

image via Zebra

Meijer carries the 2-pack of Zebra F-301 pens for around $3.50. The Zebra F-301 fine point (.07) is perfect for my small handwriting, and the ink does not smear. The pen is made out of steel, so it is practically indestructible. And best of all it is refillable!

Now I need to find the perfect notebook.

Lego Presevation

In 2009, 26-year-old Berliner Jan Vormann used legos to reconstruct buildings damaged during WWII. The result was colorful and organic artwork which he named "Dispatchwork".

The juxtaposition of brick and plastic is fascinating. More images can be found here.

Memo Mug

This Memo Mug from Fish's Eddy is perfect for starting the day with coffee and a notebook.

It appeals to my inner geek.

We're Almost in the Future

Matt and I were driving through town discussing dinner when he suddenly pulled into a parking lot featuring this:
 

 "Roads? Where we're going we don't need roads." Doc Brown, Back to the Future

Is there a geek alive that doesn't want a flying DeLorean?

Lace and Musings

I am drying lace in the guest bedroom. Matt has not said anything which means either a. he has not noticed or b. he has grown accustomed to craft supplies randomly piled around the house

I like to think it is c. he has not noticed because he has grown used to my crafting antics.

We are approaching our one year wedding anniversary.

Sometimes it's the little things that records time's passage.

Mane Message

My hair can be unmanageable in the summer. I start the day with my down, but I inevitably put it into a ponytail.

These hair ties by Olivia Hayward of Mane Message are on my wish list. The hair ties look like they would be gentle on my wavy hair, and they double as a fashionable bracelet.

Silk Colorway

images via Mane Message

I discovered Mane Message via this post by Rachel of Elephantine.

Thrifted: Buttons

Vintage supplies have a unique history. They were made before the level of mass production we see today. And using them to craft sets your product apart from those who shop at craft supply retailers.

Yesterday, I found this assortment of brass and plastic buttons for $2.

I love buttons because they are versatile; you can use them for crocheting, knitting, jewelry-making, sewing and more! 

Thrifting for craft supplies is like going on a treasure hunt. You never know what you'll find.

Thrifty Find: Børn Boots

This thrifty find is a true accomplishment. I bought these Børn boots from St. Vincent de Paul of Jackson for $9.99.

Børn is a quality product. The manufacturer uses an old European method of hand-stitching on their boots and shoes.

The boots are perfect for skirts as well as skinny jeans. And they are super comfortable!

The original price of these leather boots was $140; the price I paid was a steal! I cannot believe they were my size!

Maggie Austin Cakes

Have you seen this Maggie Austin cake? Reminiscent of a Tiffany lamp, the cake is a lovely celebration of Art Nouveau.

via | via

Now, if only I had an upscale event to host!

Inspired By: Chevron

Lately I have had chevrons on my mind. The symbol has been showing up on blogs and pinterest, and I am fascinated by the simple geometric lines.

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Keep an eye on my blog; my next project will feature the symbol!

Floral Wallpaper

By now you may have seen this floral wallpaper from Swedish Front (Sofia Lagerkvist, Charlotte von der Lancken and Anna Lindgren).

The wallpaper reminds me of walking in a flower garden on a warm summer day.

I cannot wait for summer!

Three {Crafty} Ways to Celebrate Earth Day!

Earth Day originated in 1969 with the growing awareness of environmental issues. Today, it is celebrated worldwide with various events and festivals.

Earth Day should be celebrated everyday. With cheaper product costs, we have become a single-use society. We need to seek the potential of the products we use once.

These three upcycle crafts are perfect for celebrating Earth Day.

Newspaper Basket via Nifty Thrifty Things

 

 Wine Bottle Planters via Recyclart 

Plarn Coaster via Look What I Made

It takes creative thinking to upcycle, but the results are exciting.  

Happy Earth Day!

Etsy Love: Fleur de Lis

The Fleur-de-lis (or Fleur-de-lys) is a decorative lily or iris symbol associated with French history and politics.

From classic to industrial, these simple yet elegant fleur-de-lis adornments from Etsy embody the timelessness of the symbol. 
 

Little Fleur de Lis Necklace by Vintage Musings

Rigid Fleur de Lis Pendant by Rigid Design

 Fleur-de-Lis Pin by Carrier Pigeon Jewelry

Simple Fleur de Lis Earrings by Tan Butterfly Jewels

 Fleur de Lis Pet Tag by yabettasupadont

 Très chic!

BRY--

Etsy Love: Garden Markers

March has come to Michigan like a tame lion. Spring is over a week away, yet I am thinking about my garden. It is my first year in our first house, and I feel like I need to plan each square foot with care.

What better way to keep track of my herbs and vegetable than to label the plants with a set of these lovely garden markers?

White Garden Markers by Just Potters

Herb Garden Labels by Paulova Ceramics 

Herb Garden Stakes by Pigeon Toe Ceramics 

Herb Plant Stakes by Revisions

Herb Garden Markers by Just Potters 

Soon, my dreams of summer gardens will be reality.

Out of Print Tees

What better way to proclaim your love for books than a shirt alluding to the greats? Out of Print's mission is to celebrate "the world's great stories through fashion." Their literary tees feature familiar (and often out-of-print) book covers fit for bibliophiles young and old; each shirt is treated to feel as soft and worn as a well-read book.

For every shirt sold the company donates a book to a community in need through their partner Books For Africa.

Out of Print has literary tees for Men (Unisex), Women, and Kids. And with free shipping over $75, it would be easy to get carried away.

The Great Gatsby (First Edition)

1984

Moby Dick

Treasure Island

The Hardy Boys

Where the Red Fern Grows

Charlotte's Web

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Out of Print also sells literary accessories, gift ideas, and stationery.

Valentine Hearts

St. Valentine's Day is only a week away. Instead of buying into the commercialization of the holiday, you should take the time to knit or crochet one of these free patterns for a handmade gift from the heart.

Garter Stitch Heart (Ravelry)

American Folk-Art Heart (Ravelry)

Little Hearts by Sarah Cooper (Free Ravelry Download)

Heart Motif (Ravelry)

Love Hearts (Ravelry)

Heart Ornament (Ravelry)

Simple Heart by Phyllis Serbes (Free Ravelry Download)

Tiny Heart (Ravelry)

Mini Knitted Hearts (Ravelry)