{diy} book cover to frame mat

There’s one LA souvenir that I haven’t mentioned: a DIY frame mat for a very special photo of my little girls. I used a cover from one of their torn-beyond-repair Golden Books to frame a photo that I snapped of them during my visit. Considering that I had to cram my craft time in between toddler nap times, it was the perfect quick and easy project to take on. If you have some old books in your life that might fit the frame, click on over to Poppytalk for the complete how-to. Let me know how it goes!

{diy} belt your board

My first IKEA hack using their cork heat pads – I’m so proud! Check out the complete DIY on today’s Poppytalk.

{diy} belt your board

My first IKEA hack using their cork heat pads – I’m so proud! Check out the complete DIY on today’s Poppytalk.

{diy} ikat inspired beach bag

I love a good basic bag that will stand the test of time. This one from MUJI comes kinda close to the coveted quality of Filson so I was very excited to snatch it up and bring it home. The simplicity of the canvas and leather is great but since it’s summertime, I thought that I’d have a little fun with an easy DIY. I chose Ikat weaving as my design inspiration and am so happy with the results! The colors, the lines, all very subtle but they give the piece a totally different personality. I think I might do this in the future with simple cotton totes as re-uasble gift bags…lots of possibilities.

If you’re not familiar with MUJI (I wasn’t until we moved to London) they are an awesome Japanese company that keeps things focused on simple yet practical design. They have barely made their way to the US with stores in NYC but I hope that they expand if/before we move back. I can’t imagine life without them now – they’re like a small-scale, more earthy, back-to-basics Ikea. I couldn’t find my exact bag in their web store but they have a ton of great styles to pick from. Happy stitching!

Wanna see more? Click on over to Poppytalk for the full DIY tutorial!

{diy} ikat inspired beach bag

I love a good basic bag that will stand the test of time. This one from MUJI comes kinda close to the coveted quality of Filson so I was very excited to snatch it up and bring it home. The simplicity of the canvas and leather is great but since it’s summertime, I thought that I’d have a little fun with an easy DIY. I chose Ikat weaving as my design inspiration and am so happy with the results! The colors, the lines, all very subtle but they give the piece a totally different personality. I think I might do this in the future with simple cotton totes as re-uasble gift bags…lots of possibilities.

If you’re not familiar with MUJI (I wasn’t until we moved to London) they are an awesome Japanese company that keeps things focused on simple yet practical design. They have barely made their way to the US with stores in NYC but I hope that they expand if/before we move back. I can’t imagine life without them now – they’re like a small-scale, more earthy, back-to-basics Ikea. I couldn’t find my exact bag in their web store but they have a ton of great styles to pick from. Happy stitching!

Wanna see more? Click on over to Poppytalk for the full DIY tutorial!

growing a green thumb

If you’re like me and have yet to master your green thumb, check out these potting steps and tips that I learned at this weekend’s Handmade KL craft party:

1. Choose your container (white ceramic teapots were provided. i planted the rest into a bowl from our kitchen)

2. Line the bottom of your container with an inch of rocks followed by another inch of gravel. This will help in the drainage of water.  (Made so much sense because I always rot my plants that aren’t in pots with drainage holes)

3. Add 3 tablespoons of crushed charcoal which will prevent the growth of bacteria. (Never heard of this but maybe it’s a climate thing?)

4. Fill the container with soil up to half an inch from the top of the container.

5. Gently arrange your selection of succulents on top of the soil.

6.  Once you’re happy with the arrangement, top up with soil then gently pack in with the succulents.

7. Brush off any first from the succulents then water them.

It’s as simple as that! I can’t believe that I was so intimidated by potting plants myself. Now, for the real test: maintaining these babies at home. Any tips?

“how to” instructions courtesy of craft party host, Mimpi Murni

{diy} luxurious fabric box

Little by little our apartment is coming together and earlier this week I shared my latest home decor DIY on Poppytalk. Click now to see how you can easily transform an ordinary box into something more luxurious…we like that ;)

 

{diy} luxurious fabric box

Little by little our apartment is coming together and earlier this week I shared my latest home decor DIY on Poppytalk. Click now to see how you can easily transform an ordinary box into something more luxurious…we like that ;)

 

{diy} easy graphic print

While we wait for our stuff to arrive (ten days airfreight was such a lie) I made this simple graphic print with dry transfer sheets that I found at a local art supplies shop. It’s amazing how comforting seeing these three little words can be.  Click here for the full post on Poppytalk!

{diy} custom luggage tag

I don’t normally post more than once per day but in case you missed my tweets last week, here is my latest DIY for Poppytalk. I’m very happy to report that the little guy is holding up great! Click here for step-by-step visuals and instructions.

Bon Voyage!