Purple

As you may have guessed from seeing corn in the background of my pictures, I live on a farm.  I was feeling kind of frustrated and a little overwhelmed the other day, and being that fresh air does the soul good, I figured I'd take a little walk around my yard and up my road to help clear my head.  I felt so much better when I got back in.

1.  I picked myself a few flowers and weeds to put in a tiny antique vase on my kitchen counter.
2.  My farty, annoying, and always loving dog, Kona.
3.  Chris' grandma let me take her picture.  "Good," she said, when I told her I wouldn't get her face. / One of the many butterflies enjoying nectar on my butterfly bush.
4.  Flojo can't come out on walks, so she watches patiently at the window (and this always makes me kind of sad since we do everything else together).
5.  Where the kind of gravel road turns to complete gravel road.
6.  More of my weed bouquet.
7.  Another butterfly, and Kona's favorite position on the front porch.

When you're feeling overwhelmed or bummed out, what helps you clear your head?

My Simple Boot Strap DIY

Because I'm not courageous enough to have an asymmetrical haircut, get a sleeve of tattoos, or have unusual piercings, I have to get a little punk rock in in more subtle ways.  I figured studded boot straps were a good accessory to add just a teeny bit of rock & roll to my outfit.

These were so simple to make, and luckily I had all the supplies already.  I was originally going to stud the entire way around, but once I got three in, I kind of liked that look.  Who knows, I may end up adding more later.

Here's what I used to make them:
- black leather (or vinyl as a budget option, and JoAnn has some pretty believable faux leather)
- silver and gold tone double cap rivets/studs, size small (I got mine from Michael's)
- a leather punch (also from Michael's)
- a rivet setter & anvil (but you could just use a hammer and a hard surface)
- large brass rings

Here's how I made them:
- I measured how long I needed each section of leather to be, and added some length so it could be doubled under the the studded/riveted area
- Cut my leather strips with an exacto knife.
- Folded the leather around the brass ring.
- Punched my holes in the leather where I want the studs to go.  It's probably best to measure, but I just tend to eyeball everything.
- Hammered in my rivets/studs.
- Moved onto the next side and repeated all the steps to get the leather around the second ring.
- Did the same thing all over again for the second strap!

It's super simple, and these slide off, that way I can wear them on other boots!

What I've Been Working On

This summer has kept me much busier than usual as far as orders go, and I love it!  In between making hoops I never thought would be so popular, and screen printing my favorite tank by the box full, I've had a few breaks here and there to work on some new items...

Find the items here (from the top):  Triangle Studs, Saint Rings, Set of 3 Stacking Rings, Bonjour Y'all Tank, Circular Open Hoops, Etched Cuff Bracelet, Gemstone Stud Earrings

I have so many ideas for new screen designs for totes and tops, and I want to make new gemstone stud earrings, as well as photograph the gemstone stacking rings I've made, but unless days become 30 hours instead of 24, it may be a while yet...

Do you have any projects going on at the moment?

Party Pants

How was your weekend?  Mine was nice; it included steaks on the grill, cheesecake with cherries on top, a pizza slice the size of my head, and CHRIS' BIRTHDAY!

1.  Party pants needed a party hat to match his party banner (#3).  He did not like wearing it.
2.  My status over the weekend went from "Not A Griller" to "You Bet Your Ass I'm A Griller."  I told Chris I was making hamburgers on the grill for his birthday to trick him like any good wife would.  Not surprisingly, he preferred the T-bone.
3.  The party hat banner I made for Chris' birthday last year (and will display every year).
4.  The end of another weekend, and the thoughts of aaalllll the screen printing I have to work on tomorrow morning...

A New Favorite

I love gold, and I love Flojo, so naturally I have a new favorite accessory.  ONecklace was kind enough to let me choose a piece of jewelry to review for you guys, and I wasn't disappointed.  At all.

A name necklace has been on my wishlist since watching Carrie on Sex And The City and realizing that name jewelry really IS awesome, and it should not have been left in the 70's with all the Janets, Debbies, and Beckies!  (Carrie also made me crazy about the silver, rhinestone embellished, peep toe Manolo Blahnik heels [of course I have the knock-offs], dressy shoes with casual outfits, wavy fluffy hair, and the list goes on).

As for my opinion of the necklace, it can be summed up in one word - FAVORITE.  But for the sake of explanation, I'll elaborate.  I got the Carrie style name necklace (because, duh) which comes in silver or gold-plated, and delivered in a pretty little box.  You have some freedom aside from the name in that you also get to specify your chain style and length.  I went with the box chain at 16", that way it is high enough to be worn with non V or plunging necks without getting underneath, thus being lost.  It's also a good, simple length in case I want to layer it with a longer, larger necklace.  The turnaround and delivery times were quicker than I expected for a custom piece of jewelry, and lastly, get 10% off your order when you use the code GIFT.

If necklaces aren't your thing, ONecklace also has customizable rings, bracelets, and earrings.  I'll be sure to not-so-subtly drop the hint to my husband that I kind of really want a ring soon...

Also, I hope you'll let me slide on the no lip balm issue, and the fact that my hair looks like a wig!