new fav from the uk!

I just love the decor8 blog and I can't believe how much exposure that site gets across the home dec industry! I can only dream of my blog being 1/16th as popular in the crafting world. Anyway, in today's post a new blog was introduced from a chicy girl in the uk. Rapsberry is a fun site where she shares her day-to-day life and here newest handmade totes that are featured on etsy. I love her creative and artistic style that brings a new life to those eco-friendly grocery bag totes that I've started carrying now that I live in the "going green" Northwest. I'm inspired by her new creations and longing to get back in my studio to play around on my sewing machine! I need to get to work if I'm going to participate in any holiday craft fairs this year! Knowing me I will wait until October and scramble to get things done and they won't be the quality that I want.

To do: SEW!
Deadline: this weekend (maybe Sunday before I start the 'real world' job next week)

unique boutique

I've come to realize that I really enjoy the idea of shopping in boutiques versus battling the crowds and overstuffed clothing racks at major clothing or discount stres. Don't get me wrong, I will battle it out for a good bargain, but sometimes I just want to ENJOY shopping instead of feeling like I just ran a marathon by the time I come home. Of course, this also involves having a much larger shopping budget for buying unique items at designer prices...something I'll have to get used to!

Living in Portland I am very fortunate to be around such great shopping areas that include private boutiques that showcase local designers' goods. So that means that I won't find LA boutique price tags either. I have found a few winners that I think are worth stopping by and I may even approach them as I start finding local businesses to sell my handmade products. Here are a few that I enjoy:

Amalee Boutique (great website, Anthropolgie-esque style)
Phlox (feminine style with an edge)
Tumbleweed (urban prarie, great dresses & skirts)

Say it in French

Although I've never been to France (but it's on my life to-do list!), I am always inspired by French design. It exudes comfort, elegance and imperfections of a well-lived life! My favorite online shop to browse for ideas and inspiration (and you can visit it in person if you're ever in Northern CA), is Maison Reve. Sign up for her online guest list for awesome events, giveaways and ideas. It looks like she's off to Paris in September so stay tuned for more inspiration!

Decorating inspiration

I've been really inspired lately by magazines and especially by the Better Homes & Gardens email blasts that I get on a weekly basis. In today's article I bookmarked a few things that included:

1. Cheap & Easy Headboard projects (http://www.bhg.com/bhg/slideshow/slideShow.jsp?slideid=/templatedata/bhg/slideshow/data/1168552773827.xml&catref=cat740192&page=12). My favorite one was a headboard made out of a vintage door that would look great in my guest room. I think I might pick up a vintage door from the ReBuilding Center and do this project.

2. Fabric projects (because I have fabric in my craft closet that is just collecting dust!). This one in particular struck my fancy because it would look great over a storage trunk or cedar chest as a quick style update.

The Pearl, Nob Hill, Alberta Arts & Missisippi Ave

The Pearl, Nob Hill, Alberta Arts & Missisippi Ave...

These are the hot spots in the Portland area especially for a crafter girl who needs inspiration! Even though I have visited them frequently I still find something new and delightful everytime I visit. Yesterday was my b-day so I treated myself to a day of boutique shopping and hit all of my favorite spots (and found a few new ones!). Some of the cute ones I discovered for vintage finds for the home were:

Porch Light: home of farmstyle vintage finds with great furniture pieces and vintage kitchen items

Flutter: a little cluttered and all over the place, but a great shop to browse. it has a very whimsical feel with French perfumes and embellishments...they even have a vintage bird cage with real birds that serenade you as you enter! Very fun.

Bolt: a very needed hip fabric shop with all of my favorites including Amy Butler & Nigela. they offer great classes that have a super long waiting list! (maybe next year)

Close Knit: a knitter's dream shop with cool displays and samples of everything. they also offer classes (mabye in the winter when I'm too freezing and need wool to keep me warm!)

what's up with the crocs?

When I first moved here I couldn't understand why everyone was wearing these funky shoes they called 'crocs'. But, now I know. I broke down and bought a pair to see what the hype was about and I absolutely love them! My parents quickly caught on and bought me a pair of these adorable red mary jane style crocs that I think are too cute...I already received compliments the 1st time I wore them. Thanks guys!

perfect Sunday afternoon

I spent the afternoon today at the quaint area of Nob Hill browsing boutique stores looking for inspiration. If you are ever in the Portland area, this delightful spot is worth visiting. More streets just like it are popping up everywhere here so it's easy for me to plan my weekends around an outdoor street fair or sidewalk sale...gosh, I love this city!

I picked up a few treasures and discovered a great new magazine for indie crafters like myself. It's called Adorn (www.adornmag.com) and I have a feeling it will become one of my new favorite craft resources. I'll share some cool finds as I get through the mag. Enjoy!

inspired by...

I found this great website today through dominomag.com that features the home decor style I've been looking for. I've been trying to think of the terms to describe my style and I guess I've landed on modern cottage. It's a mix between Pottery Barn, vintage heirlooms and West Elm (if that makes any sense!). Mostly it evolved from bargain hunting and trying to find a style to suit our budget.

The company is called Flamant and it's based in Belgium, but there is a US rep that sells some of their items: http://www.renebyflamant.com/default.asp?. Of course I can't afford any of these items, but it's great inspiration for those flea markets & garage sales I intend to hit this summer.

Happy hunting!