Come On In!

I've long been a fan of decor8's Flickr feed for its fantastic sampling of interior design, etsy finds, indie artist features and even crafty ideas. You may already be familiar with Holly Becker of decor8 but if you're not you're in for a treat. She's a maven of beautiful things! She was kind enough to feature my newly rearranged dining room on her blog earlier this week, along with a few other images from my house set on Flickr. I loved reading the comments from readers and feel really grateful to be able to share a piece of our home to such a big audience. Thanks, Holly!

Speaking of inspiration, I wanted to share a few images that have been inspiring me this season. I'm not sure of all of the sources anymore but I'll do my best to point you in the right direction.

This is from the Denyse Schmidt workshop. Not sure where I found this image originally but I love this old church message board and would love to find one of these in a flea market someday!


You've been meaning to write, right? Why not make it even more enjoyable with this camp correspondence set from Yellow Owl Workshop.

These fantastic albums have sweet, cross-stitched hearts nestled in the covers.

I found this on Holly's blog a few weeks back and loved the brilliant colors in each granny square. Once we find out if we're having a Mr. or a Miss, I plan on starting in on a larger version of one of these. Similar to this one. Being due in early November means the little one will have the need for warm blankets so I might as well make them beautiful.
This pretty ditty feels like a fun take on the necklaces my Meemaw wears. I love the sunny yellow and think it would be a nice addition to a summer wardrobe. Brought to you by Anthropologie.

The art above the couch can have a place in my home any day. It's so calm and beautiful. Unfortunately, I can't remember my source for this one. Feel free to share if you're in the know.

Felt camera pouches for your point and shoot or cell phone. I love how the flap comes up like a flash on the bottom two.

I've seen ties used for many DIY projects but these may be the most creative AND beautiful transformation from forgotten to fantastic. No source.

Yowza! I love the colors in this room.

I think black and white, geometric quilts are incredibly beautiful and I'd love to have the wall space to hang something that huge and industrial.

Before I leave I want to tell you about Friday afternoon. Sebastian is in a wedding next month so we ordered him a formal suit last week and have been expecting it in the mail. We were in the living room when the regular mail man came by with a big, brown box. I told Sebastian it was his suit and we did a little dance because the role of ring bearer needs a lot of positive reinforcement, right? Well, he was a little disappointed when it was just some silly throw blanket that I'd made for a magazine in January being returned to me. I set it aside and we got on with playing trains.

Not thirty minutes later did the UPS man pull up carrying a larger brown box. We did the suit dance while opening the second unmarked parcel of the afternoon but I soon realized it was another mystery package. This one also had something in it that looked like a big blanket but wrapped nicely with a little tag on it that read Anthropologie! WHAT?!!!

I was trying to figure it all out when I remembered that part of my home decor presentation at the RVA craft weekend involved an example of how it's important to invest in special pieces for your home even if you have to wait awhile. I gave the example that we were saving up for an Anthropologie duvet and making it work in the meantime with several layers of vintage quilts and a throw from Urban Outfitters that I found on sale for $8.00. Not too shabby but in no way close to that dream bedding.

The mention that we were saving up for an Anthropologie duvet was merely an example but somebody took note. When this new friend requested my mailing address in an e-mail I thought nothing of it but it all came together as I unwrapped the most beautiful duvet and spread it across our bed.I kept saying, "Oh, Sebastian. This is so pretty. This is really special." He started repeating it and fanning his arms across the patterns.

"Really special. So pretty!"

I called Brett right away and promptly found the sender's e-mail address to let her know how much her thoughtfulness and generosity meant to me. I'm really humbled that someone that I've only known for a short time would do something so kind and unexpected and it truly speaks to the beauty of this person's heart. But I knew she was a gem before the box came.

I love that it now carries with it a beautiful story, much like each of the handmade quilts that used to belong in its place. WE LOVE IT!

The other part of my Friday afternoon included a long line for the womens' dressing rooms at Target, a handful of potential ensembles to wear to my cousin's wedding, and a vocal little boy that proudly declared to everyone within earshot, "Those are Mama's boobies!"

Thank you, son. That one is going in the books.