Permission Slips

Totally inspired by Jessika's post from Oh My Handmade acknowledging the idea that sometimes we need to stop and "give ourselves permission" to cry, enjoy, let go, feel, skip work, play....

Her post really got me thinking and I realized I carry a heckuva lot of guilt and pressure around with me. It makes me feel yukky and blue and weighed down. I'm constantly striving and planning- trying to create the best life for my boys. But, often I get so wrapped up in my worry and anxiety I forget to just live. 

So, thanks to the lovely Jessika, I am giving myself permission to...

5 Quick Ways to Shake Up Your Brand

Your brand feeling a little tired? Needs a little pick-me-up? Maybe more like a triple shot of espresso?  These 5 ways are sure to bring a little zing back to your brand:


{psst..one quick way is to enter the super-awesome giveaway for a one-on-one marketing consultation with my husband, Mark Jacobs of 58 Minutes!}


1. Strip: You heard me. Strip away all the extras that might be distracting your buyers. Whether it's all the flashing buttons on your blog or the gazillion different products. 


2. Let Go: Say goodbye to those products or services that just don't feel right. And then focus on what you're really, really extra good at. 


3. Invest: Deep down, you probably know what area needs work. Maybe it's investing time to connect to your customers or maybe it's cash for a new logo. 


4. Put yourself out there:  Design a new product line, offer to write a guest post, or collaborate with another maker....these all pump new energy into your brand. 


5 Do Nothing: Sometimes we get all caught up in the chatter and the tips ( like this post!) and would benefit from taking some time away. Maybe just thinking. Maybe just see what happens. Maybe reflect on what just feels right. 

So, what are you going to do to shake up your brand?

{image courtesy blockpartypress}

Modern Wall Art Tutorial

When the folks at Accuquilt asked if I wanted to try out their product...I responded with a resounding, heck yeah! I had actually never seen one of their magical fabric cutter machines before but after discovering that it precisely & super easily cuts fabric into fantastic shapes I was hooked! I chose these darling bird die cuts, because well, I live in Portland and we like to put birds on things :)

Anyhow, I loved the clean silhouette of the birds and really wanted to showcase that. Hence, these modern art embroidery hoops. They're a snap to make and so cute you'll want to hang some everywhere! 

Supplies: 
-dark fabric pieces for birds with contrasting prints for background
-double side fusible interfacing (not shown)
- embroidery hoops in various sizes
- fabric glue
-sewing machine (optional sewing) 

Here's my beautiful Accuquilt machine...not at all intimidating. I admit, I was so nervous at first...but then I read the directions and tried it out....wow, it's a snap! 

Look! I laid down my (practice) fabric, turned the little crank and voila - out came perfectly cut birdies :) 

For the wall art, I adhered double sided fusible web on each bird (made with Kona Ash solid). 

For the background fabric I chose three prints, tracing the hoop and then adding 3/4"-1" extra (to wrap around the edge of the hoop). 

 

Next, I fused each bird to the center of the fabric circles- I determined the middle by folding the circle into fourths, like a pie piece. I was still a little off on one of them, but I think it looks pretty cute anyway. I then top-stitched around each bird, though this entirely optional.                                    

 

Last step, I folded over the edge of the fabric, using just a bit of glue to keep it in place. Be careful to avoid getting glue on the actual front of the hoop fabric (Like I did...don't look to closely at the orange one ;) 

And, ta da! Here they are in all their simple and modern glory! 


I think these birds would look charming just about anywhere I put them. I do have a few other shapes too, flowers and stars....any other projects you'd like to see? 

Yellow and Gray Lovin'

A few weeks ago I shared my process for creating custom wedding bags... it really is one of my most favorite kind of orders! Here's a little peek at another custom set I made - in yellow + gray no less!  

I love how they turned out and added a few to my shop.


And because I can never get enough of yellow + gray, I've been spotting some other lovelies around with the yellow, gray, and aqua combination!  (guess I'm still hooked on Luke's baby quilt palette...) 

Dipped Porcelain Bottles by Suite One Studio - a new favorite :)

Equilateral Quilt from Carson Too

Fabric Flowers and Leaves by Jane Joss

what color combo are you hooked on?

Tutorial Tuesday - Laundry Detergent

I absolutely love making something on my own that replaces store bought items...and this DIY laundry detergent surely does it! Stumbled across the tutorial on Yellow Brick Home and had to try it. Three easy to find ingredients, a bit of mixing and I'm off in laundry bliss :)  Really, I can't believe it's so simple - and cheap! The only thing I might switch out next time is the soap with a less abrasive one.  But overall I'm loving it, been washing clothes like crazy just to test that it works...and it does! 

Blueberry Lovin'

A morning of country drivin' & blueberry pickin' with the boys....my kind of summer day....

...using our harvest to make blueberry corn bread muffins, pancakes (of course!) and maybe one of these delish blueberry finds from pinterest - yum! 

{top photo: design seeds}

Handing Down History

psst....come check out my post at Oh My Handmade Goodness today! Honoring handmade heritage with a little story about quilts, old & new. Stop by & say hello! 

Go Confidently...

With a new baby and a curious preschooler there is absolutely no time for getting gussy-ed up. Besides I've never really been that sort of gal anyway. But... I do have time to strap on some confidence each morning and embrace the day with that! 

{image via bluquote}

Baby Love

Oh me, Oh my!
My little Luke entered the world seven weeks ago today! I love waking up on Tuesdays and thinking how things have changed each week. Time is just buzzing by and I am trying my darnedest to soak up every little second.  Thought everyone could use a bit of baby cuteness...

and one big brother, pleased as punch!

Custom Wedding Bags - A Conversation Story

Hooray! Just completed this custom bridal party group for what is sure to be a gorgeous wedding. I love working with brides to create bags in colors and styles for their big day! 


This order is for a friend I met back in Boston while teaching at the same school....I've loved  reconnecting over such a happy occasion and am so honored she chose me to make her bridal party gifts. Here's a little glimpse of what it's like creating one of my custom wedding orders: 
{the paraphrasing is all me, clearly. haha}


Nicole: Love your shop & work! I would love four bags for my wedding!


Me: Hooray! Congrats! I'd love to work with you! {exclamation overload}


Nicole: Fantastic.Ok, my wedding is mossy green & plum. What can we do?

Me: Well, We've got some options. There is a scrumptious new fabric line that just came out...here's a photo. Let me know what you think. If it's not what you had in mind I'm happy to send more pics!

Nicole: Love it! Perfect. Hmmm, what bags should I get? 

Me: I can do custom cosmetic bags or clutches...we can add poppies, ruffles, wristlet straps - just about anything. Take a look see!

Nicole: Oooh, love the clutches. Let's do those with a plum poppy. 

Me: Great! Let me type up your invoice, send it your way, and we'll get started!

Nicole: Wait, Wait! Let's add another, I need to have one for myself :)

{one week later}

Me: Hello, just a little note to let you know your fabric arrived & it's gorgeous! Now I can better choose your felt for the poppy flowers. Here's a swatch, let me know if you fall in love with any of these colors!

Nicole: Hmm, let's try vineyard. That looks about right. 

Me: Wonderful, I'll add it to my next order and I'll keep you posted! 

{two weeks later}

Me: Hello blushing bride to-be! Bet you're excited for the big day. Here's a little peek at the clutches, I think they turned out lovely....hope you do too! One little thing though....

.....the vineyard felt isn't the best match. Let me order a few others to try. Unfortunately, felt is difficult to photograph. But no worries at all, I'll find a lovely match for you!

Nicole: Thanks Allisa...I totally trust you! 

Me: {honored}

Me: Ta da! Here they are! I found the best match for the flowers, it's a deep plummy purple. Much different than what shows up in the photos but in person it's just gorgeous. I truly hope they are all you hoped for and the bridal party enjoys them. Congratulations again....look forward to seeing the photographs! xoxo


Nicole: Oh my! A million thank-yous! Can't wait to receive them! 

....and it's off! 

{felt card from Benzie Bazzar, not the actual felt I used, but looks so lovely I might have to try it!}

Hello There

Popping in to say hello! A little bit about what I've been up to {in no particular order}

• Newborn gazing
• Writing and thinking
• Putting the finishing touches on my e-book (finally.)
• Lullabying
• Watching my darling Jack transition to oh-so loving Big Brother
• Finishing two custom wedding orders for dear friends
• Reflecting on Motherhood + Business
• Blue sky soaking 
• Enjoying Lego camp + swim lessons + soccer + music class with the boys
• Sleeping, when I can
• Gradually reopening the shop
• Making new things. Well, one thing so far....
• Happying

so, tell me - what sort of wonderful things have you been up to?