I’ve been participating in a style challenge this month and it’s been a blast! It’s my first one, and if I hadn’t been on Instagram, I would still be oblivious to the whole thing. It’s been super helpful in planning my outfits in the morning. It’s just one little prompt each day of the month: polka dots one day, bold lips another, Parisian chic another. Those tiny phrases are helping me look at my closet in a whole new way! I highly recommend it.
The style challenge I’m following is courtesy of personal stylist and entrepreneur mentor extraordinaire, Hilary Rushford of Dean Street Society. She’s adorable and super smart.
It’s odd to me that this project and the #yearofmaking project are having such a profound effect on me. Is it because I’m excited to try new things? To be flexible in how I spend my day and my time? Or because I know I want to focus on what I absolutely adore doing, which happens to be making stuff and dressing up. Yup. That’s it.
Today’s prompt is: “gorg in green.” I don’t have much green in my closet. In fact, I soon discovered I have one shirt (what I wore) and some cardigans in kelly green and olive. I could only imagine green in one shade today, and that’s the brightest damn green you can think of outside of neon. I felt like this was the best choice, especially on a totally crappy, rainy day like today. So, here we are:
Outfit: Coat, Tahari Shirt, Portofino Shirt (they have a million awesome colors–I have several), Express Jeans, Gap Shoes, Steve Madden, old Necklace: Anthropologie, old, similar
Check out my Instagram @kristiecain for more pics from the challenge! While you’re at it, check out the #StyleMeFeb hashtag for inspiration and ideas for your own closet.
In honor of Valentine’s Day, I’ve rounded up a fun group of pretty date night clutches. I’m going to have to break down and buy the black and white striped clutch. And the black clutch with gold heart? It comes in red, too. Yes. I’m also considering how I could DIY that adorable face on a clutch of my own…hmmm.
Have you ever participated in something that you thought would be small and minimal, just a drop in the bucket, just a “sure, I’ll try it, whatever,” but once you got started you realized it was going to change your life? That it would shift your outlook? Shift your career? On the way you spend your day? Yes. THAT kind of project. THAT kind of idea. THAT kind of awesomeness. Cue in #yearofmaking for me. #yearofmaking is a gem. It’s one of those projects that, given the right “spin” or celebrity, could become a huge phenomenon. But it’s not. It’s for us. For us creative types who make excuses instead of creating; who procrastinate because we won’t have time to make it perfect; who doubt we could get anything done in five minutes. If you’re still reading, I’m sure you’re wondering, “What the hell is it??” Let me tell you.
#yearofmaking is simple. You commit to making something, anything, every day for an entire year. And you document it in some way. Kim Werker, a fabulous editor and author of “Might Ugly: Exercises and Advice for Getting Creative Even When it Ain’t Pretty” (which you should buy right NOW here), has written an ebook that serves as your own mini-cheerleader and includes room to write down what you make each day. In addition to documenting via paper, Kim encourages participants to use #yearofmaking on Instagram.
The best part of the project is that you can start any time. No need to wait for January. You can start today. Tonight. NOW. I started January 2 and I’ve had a blast. Here a few things I worked on in January:
Clockwise, from top left: raspberry turnovers (I used A Beautiful Mess app to make it extra pretty), thank you cards, painted ceramic ornaments, new year’s cards
I documented pictures where I could and I’m using my ebook too. Something Kim focuses on in her ebook is to not focus on making something perfect. Pinterest is not reality. Just make. And you can make anything. Knitting, cooking, crafting, making cards, drawing, baking, making lists, painting, looking for inspiration, prepping for a project, sewing…literally ANYTHING. I’ve used my daily outfits as a project–hey, it’s a lot of work and it’s super creative. See?
I’ve always been a maker, a crafter, a DIYer. But this project has given me the opportunity to spend my time in a more focused, dedicated way. I can spend five minutes gluing one part of a thank you card and it immediately calms me, probably drops my blood pressure, and reminds me that my crummy job is just a job. I’m a maker and that’s what makes me happy. #yearofmaking gives me motivation, and in a way, permission to take time out of my routine day to do what I love.
Have I sold you? Get on board already!! I can’t recommend it enough. Tell your friends. Share your projects. Have a freaking fun time. Get Kim’s ebook here. And check out my current #yearofmaking projects on IG @kristiecain.
How cute is this? This is one of my favorite Valentines I’ve ever created. I just love the cheeky use of “wood” with the wood grain paper. I worked at a small gift wrap and stationery boutique for almost two years and the owner specialized in corporate gifting. She ordered an entire roll of this “wood” paper for one of her clients. The cool thing about this paper is it’s not just a woodgrain, it’s made in a way that has serious wooden texture. I wasn’t sure if I could find it online, but I did (see link in materials list), and you guys, they have a ton of beautiful choices! My head is spinning with ideas for other projects I could use this for. Oh, and check out my other Valentine’s projects here! Good stuff.
Xyron machine or glue stick (The Xyron would work best with the ribbon and if you don’t have one, I HIGHLY recommend it. It will come in handy many, many times. I promise. You could also use a glue stick though it would definitely be messier)
Scissors
Bone folder or ruler (for creating envelope)
Computer and color printer (for type on front of card)
Basic Idea:
Create the “Wood you be mine?” on your computer with fonts of your choice and format it to fit on your card. Print.
Results may vary depending on your printer. You may find it easier to print on 8.5″ x 11″ paper and then cut it down to fit on your folded card.
Cut wood grain paper and ribbon and adhere to the front of card with chosen adhesive.
Using the A2 envelope template, trace onto wood grain paper and cut out.
Use a bone folder (or similar edge) to make folds and then a tape runner or glue stick to adhere sides of envelope.
Side note: you may buy Lick & Stick remoistenable glue to make your envelopes legit (you can see it in the first photo). But depending on if you’re sending it in the mail, you could seal the envelope with double-sided tape or simply a small circle seal.
Trace and cut your envelope liners, insert into envelopes.
If you need more information about creating handmade envelopes with the template kit or lining envelopes, check out the tutorials here and here.
The kicker for this card is the handmade envelope made with the beautiful wood paper. It really steps the card up a notch and makes the “Wood you be mine” all the more whimsical and adorable!
Shoot me a comment if you have questions or need help with something! xo
If you’re looking for some Valentine inspiration, this is a great start! It has a lot ideas and elements, but the execution is straightforward. I made this card a while ago, but still love the idea of layering, and I’m a sucker for that pink/brown color combo–it reminds me of a sweet shop!
Double-sided tape or similar adhesive; my fave is a tape runner. A glue stick works well too.
1/8” hole punch
**Are you seeing the Paper Source trend here? Ha! I worked there for three years and spent an ungodly amount of money—even with the discount!! Yikes.
Basic Idea:
Using the scallop card as the backer, determine your layers and cut accordingly. I have a 12” paper cutter that I adore.
Stamp and emboss your image; let dry.
Never embossed? Have no idea what I’m talking about?? Watch this great tutorial from Paper Source.
Adhere layers with tape runner or preferred adhesive.
Punch holes at the top of card and insert ribbon; tie with a square knot (see tutorial) or similar.
It’s important here to use an appropriate size hole punch. Your standard office supply punch is 1/4″ which is just way too big.
Trace envelope liner onto paper—you can use ANY kind of paper. Trace with pencil on the back side of the paper.
Carefully cut liners (watch that tip!) and insert into envelopes; adhere with double-sided tape, glue stick, or tape runner.
Again, not sure what I’m talking about? Check out this tutorial for envelope liners. It’s so easy, you’ll want to line all envelopes forever.
Woot! This color combo would be adorable for a baby shower or little girl’s birthday party. I would love to see your cards with layers and/or stamping and embossing! Send me links! Or find me on Instagram @kristiejcain. And for more inspiration, check out some of my other Valentine’s projects here!
