Hand Stamped DIY round up

I've seen some cool stamped designs on band records and shirts over the years but to be honest I haven't really given the technique much attention before in my own projects. I know, I'm pretty surprised myself, after all stamping, along with stenciling and screen printing (the latter two of which I've done my fair share of experimenting with) are pretty much at the heart of DIY in many ways. So here's a round up of awesome stamp and stamping related projects to inspire you (and me) to get into stamping everywhere and everything. 

Enjoy the hell out of it.

x

Back (in Black)

After a nice vacation from the blog and very nice, very long fourth of July holiday vacation from the daily grind I am back. It really was a much needed break from routine, the burdens of city living and I feel so refreshed. In all honesty though, it wasn't all an escape, this whole time I've been plotting away ideas, projects & picking up vintage steals - and I'm sure as hell ready to share all of the awesome stuff that has happened while I was away.

During my little extended vacation I drove up to Massachusetts (first time!), spent a weekend up in Martha's Vineyard, got tattooed, did some major spring cleaning, celebrated my 25th birthday, got my very own (another first!) powerdrill, hung out in the countryside out in Bucks County,PA and brought back tons of goodies from a day trip to Philly - and thats just the past two weeks!

Stay tuned!
x

Stitch & Bitch: Embroidery Edition

In all honesty, I'm not really sure why I chose to do this round up about embroidery in the first place but what I do know is that while putting this together I somehow unearthed a bag of embroidery thread from my craft room and stared at it for a little bit trying to figure out why I never even gave it a chance before. I rather like the idea of taking a craft like needlepoint that is so traditionally feminine and giving it a contemporary context but I have never really tried to embroider myself. Maybe it's time to change that.. 

Follow the links for some really great embroidery related projects (no experience necessary!):

1. DIY Haircomb by Lemon Jitters
2. Hand dyed twine DIY 
3. Embroidered Gloves
4. DIY Embroidery Hoop Corkboard
5. Embroidered Paper Book Cover
6. Embroidery Hoop pin board/jewelry holder tutorial

and while we are at it.. I just HAD to share these:

Project Round Up

Here's my attempt at a (semi) regular feature... (The first project round up went up in November)

I diligently went through my inspiration folder and did a little key word searching to round up my top five picks of d.i.y projects this month. I know it's not officially spring yet, especially here in the NE where it snowed this morning, but I'm hopeful it will soon arrive. I've found I am already in spring cleaning mode and possibly a little too excited to take on a million new projects this season.

 Behold, the links:

1. Bachelor's Jam: Preserving Fresh Summer Fruits with Booze
2. DIY Moss Graffiti
3. Make it: Book Lamp
4. Vintage suitcase table
5. Painting Wooden Spoons