Bits & Pieces of Inspiration

It’s a fresh new week and it really feels like a new beginning around here, because Bixby will be starting school on Thursday! The weather is beginning to change the tiniest bit, which meant that yesterday I was walking down the street sipping a latte and wearing jeans and a light sweater for the first time in months! I know some of you will be mourning the end of summer, but to me, the best is coming around the corner. Everything about autumn energizes and inspires me, from the quality of light, to the scent of damp earth, to the studious bustle that seems to permeate the air.

Today I have gathered up a few bits and bobs of inspiration to share: colors, ideas, crafts, and art that has sparked my imagination and has got me dreaming of projects to try and things to do. I hope you enjoy it, and I would love to hear what has been inspiring you lately, too!

{Emilie of Griottes for her column on decor8}

In terms of colorways, lately I have been feeling inspired by rich yellows and golds; especially when paired with teal and other shades of blue. It reminds me of apples against blue orchard skies, golden autumn afternoon light, the crunch of the first Fall leaves underfoot. Above you can see a shot from a gorgeous color-inspired post by the amazingly creative Emilie – I love everything she does, don’t you?

{updated: Oh Hello Friend via Ishtar Olivera}

I’ve been wanting to busy my hands with some simple-yet-creative crafts, and after drooling over the latest issue of Artful Blogging in the bookstore (didn’t buy it…yet!) I am even more determined to make that happen. In the issue, one of the stand-out pieces was by Ishtar Olivera (a photo from her site is above), who gave lots of great advice on creating original, creative, artistic content for your blog. Really motivating! Also in the issue was a piece from Rebecca of Simple As That – it was my first time seeing Rebecca’s lovely blog, and what really struck me was how many sweet, simple projects she comes up with, using pretty basic materials and things that are easy to find around the house. I especially appreciate that because at times it can feel disheartening to consider taking up a craft project, only to realize the materials would cost an arm and a leg! I am thinking of trying out the simple banner project (No. 6, shown below) made from book pages, paper cutouts, and buttons – so cute!

{No. 1: Emilie of Griottes for decor8; No. 2: Going Home To Roost; No. 3: Card by Honey Cup; No. 4: Swans by Tamar Mogendorff; No. 5: Updated: Oh Hello Friend via Ishtar Olivera; No. 6: Simple as That}

Above you can see a few more lovelies that have struck my fancy: delicate iced cookies, a pretty workspace, fresh paper products for Fall, soft sculptured from Tamar, paper banners, and a diy journal. I love to stock up on cards for all sorts of occasions at once, and seeing the card above (No. 3) reminded me that it’s about that time once again. When I visit family in California later this fall, I will certainly be making a trip to my favorite bookstore in the universe where, in addition to the best books (and best ambiance), they also happen to have an amazing range of luscious letterpress and small press cards. Of course I love buying from Etsy sellers and other small shops online, but nothing beats feeling the weight of the paper in your hand, gazing on those endless racks filled with color, pattern, and beautiful typography.

So, I will wrap up this post now, I have my dear little one’s open house to attend this morning…we will be picking out his cubby, meeting his new friends and classmates and teacher…oh my! Wish me luck, friends, it’s going to be hard for this Mama to let go, even a little bit! xoxo Laura

•