requies

Look what I made! I used a cork bulletin board to display my jewelry! I thought about editing out Jared's t shirt sticking out of the drawer. But I decided against it, because quotidian details are charming aren't they?

I love this so much! Let me count the ways (literally, I'm going to count them).
1) It keeps my jewelry organized and untangled.
2) It helps me see what my jewelry options are so I can make my choice quickly.
3) It reminds me how much jewelry I have and will help me avoid buying more (because I only have a few square inches left to display any new jewelry!)
4) It's pretty!!


Would you like a similar display for your jewelry? Here's what you do!
1) Buy a cork bulletin board with a frame. I got mine at Target for $15. There was a white logo in the corner, I just drew over it with permanent marker. 
2) Buy clear, so they're less noticeable, push pins. I got these at Target, too.
3) Push the pins into the board and hang your jewelry on them! Try to mix different textures and colors so it looks interesting.

I grouped my jewelry into different categories, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, brooches.

I hung the earrings and pins on baker's twine tied between two pins. You could use any type of string you have on hand, or even wire! Full disclosure: my ears aren't pierced! That's why I only have this one pair of earrings. It's hard to find cute clip ons!

I even displayed my small collection of hair accessories. Maybe I'll use them more often now that I can see them!

This project is way customizable, you could paint the frame a different color, or use a vintage frame! You could cover the cork with a pretty fabric before you pin your jewelry on. I prefer the plain cork board because it provides a nice neutral palette. Plus, most jewelry pops out in contrast to the light brown color. Also, the cork board gives me an academic vibe, kind of like those beautiful insect display cases!

I was inspired by the many beautiful pictures of jewelry display ideas on Pinterest. Do you use Pinterest? If so, you should follow me! Just click on the red button on the right bar!

This might just be the most satisfying DIY project ever. It only took about 30 minutes, was inexpensive, and I love the results. What do you think? 

An embroidered family portrait! Here's how I did it!

I've always loved this drawing of Jared and me! Isn't it adorable? Jared's brother Matt drew it on a journal that was a gift way back in 2006 (when my hair was really long). After I started cross stitching, it occurred to me that the simple lines of the drawing would be perfect for an embroidery pattern. So I took a picture, edited it so it would be bigger and black and white, then printed it out.

Next, I taped it to a window, after drawing the rest of Jared's head...

and taped fabric on top (I used an old white t-shirt that I cut up and then ironed)...

so I could trace it! I used pencil at first, but couldn't see the lines when I finished. So I traced it again with permanent marker. I figured if I messed up, I'd just cut up another old shirt!

Then, I stretched it over an embroidery hoop...

and went to town! If I had the energy to do it all again I would make a few changes. For instance, I would have used a darker brown for our hair, but I didn't have a more appropriate color floss. I would have gone to buy some but I was in a stitching trance that could not be interrupted. Also, I think the stitches on my glasses are a bit off and it makes me look angry! Oh well, lessons learned.

So what do you think? Isn't it too cool how you can take any image that inspires you and transform it into an embroidery pattern?

I hope this was helpful! Now go bake a pie! (This pie has Strawberry Basil filling, recipe soon to come!)