travel keepsakes.

There's a bookstore downtown that sells the most precious postcards. I think I buy one every time I visit. In addition to that stack, I've collected many other postcards over the years. I've thought about hanging them or displaying them somehow, but for now, I have this simple travel keepsake box. Of course, I saw a Pinterest post and wanted to create my own version. The most difficult part was aligning the letters, and even after that they're still not perfect. The rest of the time was spent mixing colors and painting. Projects don't always have to be elaborate. I like to keep it simple.

tiny sentiments.

Good things come in small envelopes, right? Indeed. I've been on a paper craze recently and was inspired by some tiny little cards in a store. I figured it would be more fun to make my own. Using coordinating papers and a similar style for each card, I made a set of four. I particularly liked the vintage yellows, blues and greens of this paper. These tiny cards, measuring approximately three by three, will be perfect to encourage and thank friends this next semester. 

precious envelopes.

When you open the mailbox expecting a few bills, a hand-addressed letter becomes a special surprise. There is nothing better. I've appreciated every handwritten letter I've received. Something about reading a letter in someone else's true handwriting, imperfect but unique, is such a personal way to communicate. Stacks of scrapbook paper are left unused in my closet so I've made some pretty adorable envelopes to make up for scribbled notes on binder paper. I used a template from here, but there are tons of different styles. So get to it! Practice that handwriting and send off a heartfelt letter. xx Amelia

cookie party.

There is no such thing as too many sprinkles. I found this cookie recipe on Pinterest, of course, and couldn't resist. Zero effort yet delicious. The rich primary colors of sprinkles always catch my eye. I love the way they look melted in cookies or cake. I also love the way they taste. Yum. Cake batter is hands down my favorite flavor. It's basically a party in a cookie. Someone come quick. Help me eat these. 

scratch paper cards.

Getting a thank you or birthday card in the mail is always the best. It's personal and thoughtful. I really enjoy making cards but it produces a lot of unused scraps. I was inspired by this card idea on Pinterest and decided to create my own rendition. The simple design allows it to be used for any occasion.

First, gather the scraps you want to use. I based my paper choices on a multicolored-striped paper. Then, I typed out a message on cardstock with my typewriter.

Use a double-sided adhesive to layer scraps in the pattern of your choice.

Add the message - I always like to have extra birthday cards just in case.

Stamped with love.

potted succulents.

Succulents are the cutest plants. And they're low maintenance! Before I added succulents to my room, I had no idea where to start. I knew their basic needs - soil and water, duh - but I had no idea what succulents specifically needed until I did a little research. My first step was choosing a few that caught my eye from the garden section of the hardware store.

If you are thinking of planting succulents, here is what you will need: pebbles, cactus soil, orchid bark, a glass or metal pot, and your choice of succulents (all shown above).

I decided to choose a few trinkets as accessories, including a metal unicorn that doesn't stand on its own and a labeled popsicle stick.

First, pour the pebbles into the pot, about two inches deep.

Next, fill the pot with cactus soil and add the succulents. Fill in the pot, applying pressure as you go to make sure the succulents are tightly nestled.

Sprinkle orchid bark over soil and add accessories to the pot if you wish.

Place pot in a sunshiny spot where you won't forget about them. Water every week to two weeks, but more in the hotter months.

fruit + veggie smoothie.

Green smoothies are my latest addiction. Actually, smoothies in general are. It's satisfying to gather a bunch of ingredients found in the fridge, blend them together, and the result is something similar to a milkshake, sans the calories. I've been drinking smoothies post-workout and I'm surprisingly really full afterward. My favorite part about this green smoothie is that I get a full serving of fruits and veggies. Enjoy!

Ingredients include a handful of sliced cucumber, banana, mango, celery, and apple, oats, coconut milk, and soy protein powder. I also thought afterward that honey would be a really great addition as a natural sweetener.

stamped photo box.

Among my recent obsession with typewriters, red lipstick, and The Beatles, I'm also loving photo boxes. I recently purchased two from Michael's and realized I have somewhat of a growing collection (a whopping total of six). I chose neutral-colored boxes because I was anticipating decorating them. I found a really simple pattern that flows well with the vibe in my room. Here are my step by step instructions to decorate a photo box.

No paintbrush? No problem. All you need is an empty toilet paper roll and acrylic paint.

Dip one end of the toilet paper roll into a dollup of paint and stamp onto box surface.

I removed the metal label bracket with needlenose pliers in order to maintain my stamping pattern.

Typed and added a label.

As a personal choice, I decided not to stamp the sides of the lid.

scrapbook paper banner.

  I've continued to spruce up my room, and my latest addition(s) is a banner made of scrapbook paper. The look reminds me of vintage carnival decorations for some reason - I'm picturing a primary-colored banner hung across the top of a game of rings. The paper scraps add color and detail to my space. Also, I'm proud to announce that this is my first DIY blog post! Took me long enough. Enjoy!

 Supplies include scissors, clear fishing or jewelry nylon wire, tape, pencil, scrapbook paper scraps, cardstock.

Simply cut out a triangle from cardstock and use it as your pattern. Trace the pattern with a pencil onto the backs of the scraps you plan to use.

After tracing the triangle, cut each shape out. See below.

 

 Tape down one end of the nylon wire to your work surface. Straigten out the coils and tape down the other end.

 Slip triangles under the nylon wire, colored side down. Tape the triangles to the nylon wire. I alternated between gray cardstock triangles (which I also used as my pattern) and the scrapbook paper.

Drape your newly made banner anywhere that suits your fancy. I wrapped mine around my boring lamp to add color. I also draped one on the top of my bookcase.

crafty journals.

I have always looked forward to giving homemade gifts, especially to my parents. It all started with the chores coupon book. Remember those? I made a coupon book for my mom that included washing the dishes and vacuuming, and one for my dad that included sweeping the garage and picking weeds. I think handmade gifts are the best to receive because they turn out to be the most thoughtful. These journals I made for my mom for her bible studies. Knowing me, she probably doesn't suspect they're store bought. Instead, the journals are crafted with love (and a little bit of rubber cement).