DIY Macrame

+

I shared my macrame plant hanger DIY on The Bohemian Collective blog. Click to check out the full instructions!

There's nothing I love more than handmade gifts, giving them as well as getting them. There's something so much more personal about it, pour your love into a hand crafted item and it will show! If that weren't enough, the double whammy of knowing you can save money AND relieve stress through the meditative process of creating gives you plenty of reasons to try some handmade projects this holiday season.

This D.I.Y is incredibly low-tech, using the ancient art of macrame in the simplest form. I've provided the bare bones of how to make a plant hanger with just a ball of yarn and a small metal ring. You can get much more creative with this, adding some wood beads, dip dyeing it, or tying little charms to the tassel at the end to personalize. No matter what you decide to do, you'll be creating a one of a kind gift and providing your loved ones the multitude of health benefits that come with having plants indoors. Enjoy!

Knotting and Weaving

+

A few tapestry yarn beasts I've been working on lately. I have tons of yarn that I've accumulated that is either too itchy, or doesn't work on my knitting machine, or just generally sitting around unused for some reason. Combine that with an unlimited supply of fallen twigs from the backyard, some time and patience, and a whole lot of shoulder muscle and ta da! Yarn for your walls. 

The first one shown was for an exhibit we had at my work, The POP studio, called Nightmare on Helm Street (the fun part is - all proceeds go to charity to make hospitals less scary for kids!) and the last one was for the bride and groom of the most beautiful Big Sur camping wedding I've ever been to... also the only Big Sur wedding I've ever been to. Nothing quite like waking up to the sunrise in a sleeping bag next to the fire, surrounded by redwoods. 

That wasn't really the plan, I had space in a tent to sleep in but thanks to a steady supply of craft beer the night before, I was feeling pretty wild and invincible. Not even waking up with a ponytail full of fallen leaves and a sleeping bag coated in dirt could make me regret that decision. I think sleeping outside in nature is something we should all partake in as much as possible (and yes, falling asleep on the patio chair on a sunday afternoon counts!). Of course, that's a whole lot easier to do in sunny California, but if you ever get the chance, try it! You may even like it.

Clove Hitch or Square Knot??

images from "Macrame: Creative Design in Knotting"

+

Your probably shocked that a party animal like me won't be making it to Coachella this weekend, I just had SO many other events planned that i couldn't fit it in! Events like sewing, dip dyeing, silk painting... clearly I'm my mothers daughter. 

On that note, I want to start sharing images from my favorite vintage arts and crafts books. I love looking through them as a reminder that good art takes time, and using techniques that don't have the instant gratification that we are so used to in the modern age makes me feel more in touch with my surroundings. 

Taking time to focus on a project like macrame is incredibly meditative, and helps calm the tumblr-induced "i've seen too many images to process ANYTHING"mindset that I frequently find myself in after a few hours at a computer screen. So on this rainy L.A. weekend, I'll be catching up on some much needed creative time! 

Ton of Joy

 Above photo was taken in my kitchen, my lovely friends give me their lovely art - lioness by Mekenzie, Billy Holiday by Alia, embroidery by me, love the way all the colors work off the turquoise wall.

 closeup of the lioness and a little chiffon macrame thing I've been working on. In hot pink.

 Found this jacket for a steal of a price, considered selling it for a minute but I really just love it too much.

Blessed with this gem thanks to the vintage store next to my house. Once again, can't sell this thing i just love it too much.

 ...more on these silk rope pieces later, this is just kind of a sneak peak!

+

Something old, something new... Hope you enjoyed my recent treasure hunting finds and handicraft treasures. Found any good gems lately?

If the shoe fits...

They made a mustard fringe top. Like the designer had a dream with me in it, and then made a shirt for me specifically. Thats how i feel, anyway. Close to reality I'm sure.  

 Sass and Bide Neck Piece, Sass and Bide Top, both at Pixie Market