{my favorite little friend}

Anyone who knows me at all knows that I love buttons. They are just about the perfect crafting item because they come in so many fun colors, shapes and sizes (the vintage ones are the best).

Here are two fun button projects I wanted to share with you....

The first is a cute cork board display frame by Leigh-Ann...





The possibilities are endless with this one - a different paper for the background and change the button colors = an entirely new look! I might have to do this one for somewhere in the house.

The 2nd project is something I've never attempted to create- jewelry (well, excluding the friendship bracelets and beaded safety pins I made in junior high). I really love the look of these necklaces from Amy of Style Crush via Elsie's blog.

These are done using beads, but I can just imagine using buttons...super cute!







This project might have to by my first foray into jewelry making!

And thanks so much for the kind comments on my last post. I'm working through a lot of mental clutter right now but this too shall pass!

{missing}

For the past few months I have felt a strong tugging at my heart, at my soul.

I feel like I'm missing a very integral part of ME.

But what is it?

The past few weeks it has gotten even stronger. And I know it is God talking to me.

There have been points that it has brought me to tears, and to prayer.

Trying to figure out what exactly I'm missing.

Is it patience?

Patience to keep pushing through my life the way it is right now until I can get to that next phase?

But no...I don't want to "get through" my life as it is now. It is wonderful. Beautiful, really. And each moment is a blessing.

Or is it that I need more patience in order to wait for that missing piece to find me. To make a connection with my soul so that I can finally have that moment when I stop what I'm doing and say.. AHA!!! That's it!

I prayed last night for God to help me narrow down all of the creative leadings that weigh heavy on my heart, and help me find that one thing that is right and true for me, right now, in this moment.

Maybe it is a new or renewed friendship that I need. Someone to bounce ideas off of. To vent to. To listen to. To respect and reciprocate.

Maybe a creative outlet. I feel pulled in so many creative directions right now and there are times when I just want the ideas to stop coming. There are too many, and not enough time or resources to see them come to life.

I'm not sure what I need, but I will keep praying, and I know God will help me figure it out.

{pretty please}

I'm 2 days away from owning this pretty fabulous piece of mid-century modern-ness.

Please Ebay Gods....pretty please...

{flight}

Have you ever noticed how simply lovely individual dandelion seeds are?



I was showing the boys the other day how you can blow them off of the stem, watching the awe and wonder in their eyes as all of the delicate seeds took flight.

And then I noticed how absolutely beautiful those little seeds are.



They have such a slender form, and they twist and turn slowly down to the ground as the breeze takes them on a fun little trip.



All of that beauty from a weed.

I think we can all find beauty in the ugly things of life if we look closely enough.

{give me liberty}

I'm not usually a floral type of girl, but Target's Liberty of London line has some super cute stuff.

Loving this wallet...


And the adorably trimmed scarves...





And let me just say it is a good thing I have two boys...



And it is a really good thing we have to drive 30 minutes to our nearest Target.

{dynamic duo}

I have always been a fan of lesportsac handbags, but have never actually owned one myself. Lookie at this print - owls AND squirrels together?

Shut. Up.

Adorable.

{a good reminder}

Patience.

The inspiring woman who painted this, Melanie, is here this weekend for a conference I'm planning at work. Don't you just love this print? Here is the quote that she said inspired it:

Based on a quote from the Tao Te Ching: "Do you have the patience to wait until your mud settles and the water is clear? Can you remain unmoving until the right action arises by itself?"

I think I need this to hang in a place in our house that I look at often. A good reminder for my often less-than-patient self.

And be sure to check out her other prints, collages and original art...they are just lovely.

{play me a tune}

I'm happy to announce the newest (soon to be) member of our household...



We scored this lovely cabinet - with working record player! - on Craigslist for a lovely $40 today. I can't wait to get her home! And yes, it is definitely a she. I think I might name her Mabel.

{good day}

A cute new sweater + a fun new hairstyle that I've finally figured out how to style...

+ a sweet love note on my way out the door to work = a pretty darn good day.

Hope yours is starting out the same or even better!

{signs}

1. That two creative little boys live here.
2. That our landscaping desperately needs mulch.

{caged animals}

Now that the weather has warmed up all the boys want to do is go outside. They weren't very amused the other day when I kept taking their picture instead of letting them go out...

Can we pleeeeease go outside???

Stop taking our picture and open the door already!!!

Enough of this madness...we're taking matters into our own hands! Ben - you move the bench out of the way and make a run for it! I'll be right behind you and shut the door!