I recently had the chance to work with a material that I’m not very familiar with - leather.  My favorite fabric shop, Grey’s Fabric and Notions, recently got in some beautiful pieces, some large and some small scraps that are perfect for fashioning into accessories. I had to try my hand at leather working right away so I dove in with some simple accessories inspired tutorials I found at Oh The Lovely Things and Freshly Given.

On the left are a pair of quirky earrings and the right is a wrist cuff.  I really like the look of the cuff when it’s on:

I loved working with the leather, it’s nice not to worry about finishing edges! I’d love to try making a small wallet next - I can just imagine the decorative topstitching now!

Is the fact that Susan Khalje has a couture dressmaking class on Craftsy on anyone else’s radar?!

Craftsy is a pretty great site which features online classes on a wide variety of making including sewing, gardening, knitting, quilting, and more. You pay to sign up for the class and then have unlimited access and can also ask questions directly of the instructor.  Neat, huh? The first Craftsy class I signed up for is one by one of my favorite sewing bloggers, Gertie of Gertie’s Blog for Better Sewing.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with Susan Khalje, she is quite the accomplished couture seamstress. She began in a couture house in New York and is now an editor at Threads Magazine.  Imagine, taking what’s almost a one on one class with her - whenever you want - in your house!

Ok, I know I sound like a commercial for Craftsy but I’m that excited.  What about you? Will you be signing up?

So I know it’s the middle of winter but I couldn’t resist writing about some of the exceptionally cute miniature planters that seem to be popping up in the handmade blogosphere.

                                  {Shell-Potted Succulents from radmegan}

Succulents are hardy and easy to care for and if you’re apartment dwelling like myself, what a perfect way to garden in a small space!

                                     {Micro Planter How-To from The Etsy Blog}

Happy Growing!

♥

I am always eager to expand my base of crafty knowledge as well as my reserve of tools and supplies.  This wonderful chart and accompanying article from DesignSponge is a great resource for doing just that.

Adhesives are a fundamental part of many handmade projects so learn which ones will work for you!

♥

Just recently I’ve been intrigued by the diy and decor possibilities of vintage suitcases. I’ve found beautiful images of stacked suitcases being used as side tables like these:

as well as some other creative ideas:

                        {DIY chair from a vintage suitcase - See Kate Sew}

                                         {DIY craft suitcase - inspire co.}

So, I decided to check out Etsy to see if I could find any vintage suitcases that were in need of new life.  Click the images to follow the links!

                                               {via blurredvisionary}

                                                      {via Vinskord}

                                                   {via jackandtilly}

♥

I always feel a strong sense of dread as the weather gets cooler and winter approaches; the lack of sunlight, the cold, the grey… it’s all just a little depressing.

However, this morning on my way to work I couldn’t help but notice the way the sunlight cut through the clear air, and how comforting the cool breeze felt on my face.

This season, my goal is to take a step back, savor the moment, and seek inspiration from more subtle places.

The sunlight and cool air this morning was just the inspiration I needed to start this beautiful Lace Mohair Scarf from Purl Bee.

Happy Autumn!

♥

It’s finally here, the most wonderful day of the week.  Friday is always filled with such potential, hope, and relief. Might I suggest that you compliment your weekend celebrations with this refreshing idea for infused water from Emily over at Cupcakes and Cashmere: 

Click on the picture for a simple yet brilliant way to enhance any type of get together.  Why not even keep a few bottles in the fridge just for you?

♥