Ceramics Inspiration

As part of my graphic design major I'm required to take a bunch of studio art classes — which I love. Right now I'm taking ceramics, and it's rocking my world. I'm obsessed. 

I love that ceramics involves making art this is both beautiful and practical. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with beauty for beauty's sake. But it does feel good to be making work that I can give to friends as gifts and see them put to good use. I just recently got my first bunch of work glazed and complete, and it started a fire in me to make and make and make. 

Here are some images of ceramic work that's inspiring me: 

 

LINKS: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6

What have you been creating lately?

Sam's Wedding Shower Inspiration

As I mentioned here, my sister got engaged a few months ago! As the maid of honor, I've been in charge of planning a bridal shower for her. Which has turned out to be a VERY good thing... it helps me get the wedding-bug out of my system by living vicariously through planning for her. ;)

Today I'm sharing some images that have been inspiring me while planning for the shower! 

1// [source] These flower embellished toothpicks are adorable and would be so easy to make! 2// [source] I'm thinking I could recreate this look pretty easily with coffee filters and cardboard letters... DIY post coming soon! 3// [source] I'm on the hunt for some brightly colored feathers. 4// [source] This would be the perfect backdrop for a table setting of delectable desserts, am I right? 5// [source] We're trying really hard to bring a springtime feel to a winter wedding. I'm trying to make wildflowers happen! 6// [source] These doughnut rings are one of the cutest things I've ever seen. And so easy! 

Any other bright ideas? What's inspiring you this week?

My Handmade Coffee Sack Backpack

Happy Sunday, dear readers! 

Today I'm here to share a project I've been working on for awhile now. One day this summer I was at a local coffee shop casually sipping on my iced americano when I saw some burlap coffee bean sacks on sale for $2 each. They all had really unique patterns and came from all over the world, and the moment I saw them I know I wanted to make something. We were destined to be together, those sacks and I.

So, I started sewing. I knew I wanted to make some sort of slouch-styled bag, so I sort of just started making a bag shape while obsessively watching episodes of Orange is the New Black  (anyone else helplessly addicted to this show?? I am not a tv person, but I may or may not have finally caved into subscribing to Netflix just for this show... oh, and Lost) and this is where it ended up! Since I didn't really plan ahead I don't exactly have a DIY to share, but I'm hoping this project can at least spur some inspiration

I found the pleather-ish material at JoAnn fabrics and thought it would be a good addition for the base and straps since it's quite a bit sturdier than the burlap. I also found the clasp there, and the tribal patterned ribbon was something I found buried in my craft box.

So far this bag has held up great, even carrying heavy things like textbooks. And the nice thing about creating things from scratch is that them totally customized to your own style and needs.

What sewing projects have you guys been working on lately?

 
// dress: thrifted // brown lacey thing: Forever 21 //