the need to create

I've been itching in my skin to do some major creating lately which means I haven't done any in way too long. My need has been playing itself out by my picking back up where I left off in my writing and starting to dream about creating Christmas presents for those I love. I know, it is a bit early but a girl needs a good reason to dream once in awhile.

The book event on Monday further affirmed that within me and before I go any further, I must say that the word that comes to mind with the whole evening was simply "lovely". Everything from the chapters that Shauna read to the conversation that followed, it was a blessing to be part of it and having Molly by my side as the perfect companion made it even sweeter. We have both been so blessed by Shauna's writing and it just affirmed what we knew was true, that words shared have meaning and that stories matter.


And so does creating, so I am going to spend part of my evening scouring my favorite craft sites to see what I can be inspired by. I have some friends who just started making their own homemade vanilla extract for gifts, in cute little glass jars (I didn't know vanilla beans + vodka + time= vanilla but it is true!). I have considered doing some type of food related gifts, like taking balls jars and filling them in layers with soup mix, or even better, the ingredients for something sweet. I am convinced there is a way to update this gift idea in a way that isn't country bumpkinish. Maybe updated labels or including a fun whisk or mixing spoon would add some flair?

pics taken from this site

With that in mind, here is a little giveaway to get your creative juices flowing. I also have on hand a few little embellishments of my own from Uppercase Living (like a chocolate brown pine cone sticker that needs to find a new home on a vase filled with something fun--will post pics when I find that perfect thing).



This "family" embellishment is all yours, in either black or cream and I think it would look wonderful on a frame with a black & white pic, on a wall collage, on a platter for your mother-in-law or even on an old shabby chic window as such:


I want to know what you are inspired by and creating right now! Also open to other DIY Christmas gifts! Leave me some inspiration in the form of a comment by Monday night at 6 p.m. to enter. Happy Creating!

prepare to be inspired

Within the past few weeks I have become aware of a couple new creative ventures so great I couldn't help but share.

First off, Sarah over at Auburn Street just announced that she opened an Etsy shop featuring her little notebooks and I can't help but fall in love with the way she reuses items that have meaning but no where to go. here is what she said about it:

"I draw my inspiration from vintage books, old maps, typewriters and vintage travel paraphernalia. My goal is to get the most use out of recycled materials - saving even the smallest scraps. " Check her out here:

Second, if I moved to Nashville, I may just ask this girl for a job to soak up some of her creativity...Maggie was a freshman on my wing (2E0 woot woot!) during junior year when I was a PA. She lived in the 3 man with Tiffany and Natalie and always had a marker collection to die for. After I moved to Holland, she was a student at Hope so we ran into each other from time to time but now she is putting her creativity to work by opening her own little store in TN.

follow her journey to the Grand Opening on April 17th here.

And finally, drum roll please. For all of those who know the word blogger and think about layouts and writing, 2 local girlies (one of whom is my friend Jodi) have put together the weekends of all weekends. They are calling it Gleek Retreat and it will be taking place next month at a gorgeous and nature filled retreat center about 15 minutes north of Holland. Think of it as a girl's weekend with goodie bags (complete with Uppercase Living gift cards from yours truly), a nature hike, awesome speakers from all over the US, wine, a sleepover and so many other fun opportunities to connect. Some people have creative memories, others make cards and knit, and some blog. Maybe that connects with those who craft in other ways. For those whose craft is writing, this is your weekend.

Always happy to have the chance to brag up my friends :) And best of all, I get to go see my dear friend Bethany this weekend and finally meet her little boy Hunter! so blessed!