Motion is slow around here this morning, but instead of cleaning for tomorrow I am working on a tutorial for a cute little needle felting project to post this afternoon...

I spent the morning tending shop in this pretty place and it got me to thinking about the way I do things. It's more about evolution over time than a sudden change, but I would like to live with as few things as possible, and make sure the items I choose are the best example I can find. It's not about cost, but instead choosing to carefully curate what you allow into your life.

I would start with one great pair of scissors (kept in a pretty vessel so I would always know where they are), instead of the six pairs of mediocre ones floating around our house currently...

How about a pretty dish filled with high-quality salt next to the stove and ready to go?


And some beautiful copper pots in which to make meals for our families. Just a few of them will do.

Don't forget a pretty platter on which to serve your family those meals...

and some interesting jars to make even every day basics seem special.

A nice rug on which to stand will make your shoes happy.

And interesting literature will make YOU happy.

Thrifted sweater dresses make everyone happy.



Eat more fruit. But not those apples--they're marble.






Surround yourself with friends.

Most importantly--find beauty in the unexpected.

Cheers! To living life your own way.

Hugs,
Kat

I found this recipe the other day while looking for one for homemade hamburger buns. They are DELICIOUS! The boys like them for burgers, and also for breakfast sandwiches. I will be making a batch next week for leftover turkey sandwiches, for sure!

Just for fun--four vintage bags embellished with bits of leather, fabric and lace are now in the handmade shop.

Today i'm happy about...

braids and ruffles...

and pretty buttons on my new (vintage) coat.

How about you?

A few shots from the day... we did more socializing than selling, but no one seemed to mind. I was especially happy that this sweet girl stopped by. A month of emailing after meeting on flickr, only to realize we live around the corner from each other!

According to the random number generator, the winner of yesterday's drawing is:
#18--Morgan! Please email me your address and I will have these in the mail to you ASAP!

If you would like to make a set of coasters of your own, you can find a tutorial here:

xoxo

GIVEAWAY!

Say "Hello," (or whatever you fancy) in the comments section of this post for a chance to win a set of four lace-print tile coasters. I am making a ton of these for the sale at my house tomorrow, and would love to share one with YOU!

Winner will be chosen by random drawing and announced tomorrow morning.

Good luck!

TUTORIAL: LIBRARY TOTE

Henry loves to go to the library to check out books with his own library card. Mama does not love trying to keep track of the books and the card in between trips. So, I make a little bag specifically for his library books with a pocket for the card. We keep the bag on a hook right by the front door, and make sure to replace the books in the bag after we read them. This is an easy, no sewing machine project necessary project and makes a great last-minute birthday gift. Bonus points if you tuck a library card application inside!

You will need:
*a plain tote bag (either natural canvas or denim)
*fabric markers
*a scrap of natural or white fabric
*some scraps of felt
*trim
*embroidery floss or yarn and a needle

We will start with the "I <3 BOOKS" patch. Using a bowl or jar lid as a template, trace and cut out a circle.

Use fabric markers to draw your design, then set it on your felt and cut around the edge (pinking shears are optional).

Stack both pieces of the patch on the front of the bag and stitch to secure.

Using a credit card as a template, cut a piece of felt slightly wider and about 1/2 inch shorter than the card. make sure to leave enough of a seam allowance that the card will fit on the pocket once it's stitched on.

Attach some cute trim around the top edge with hot glue,

and you're done!

**Do you need quick and easy holiday gifts for the adults in your life? Check out my class! Follow the link button below for more information on the five projects. Or, simply click the "Buy now" button to gain unlimited access to the private blog for a one-time fee of $14! Hope to see you there!

We are busy, busy getting ready for a little craft sale at our house on saturday, and
lots of making is happening...

Tomorrow I will post a tutorial for a fun gift to make for the little ones in your life.

See you then!