Let's get right into this one, shall we?
Rug Tufting
Wood is not a medium I’m familiar with. But I couldn’t dismiss this ruminating idea that I wanted to make a frame for rug tufting.
Obviously I wasn’t going to just build a basic frame. Nope. I needed it to be WORTH THE EFFORT. So I researched. And researched. And weeks went by. And then I realized I wasn't going to find the right kind of guide so I strut right into Home Depot without a list (I knowww), got everything I needed, went home and whipped out a tufting frame.
Ok it wasn’t that easy. My measurements were rough and it’s not perfect 😂 but I learned how to operate some new tools (thanks to dad for bequeathing them to me when he left the country 🤩), and I made a straight up massive ADJUSTABLE (4 ways!!!), COLLAPSIBLE, STURDY tufting frame.
It's on, yarn 🧶
Procreate Lettering Lab
Imagine being able to create stunning hand lettering in Procreate in less than one month even if you're starting from scratch.
Over the last 10 months, I've been working on a get-your-hands-dirty hand lettering course packed fullll of style exploration, discovery labs, and step-by-step workshops. You don't have to be stuck in the same style. Learn all about it here.
Favorite Finds
I love it when I find a good, er, find. From essentials to splurges, these are my picks for this month…
- I'll be real, I'm wearing stretchy waisted lounge pants 99% of the time because my home office doesn't call for hard pants. I have gotten rid of all -yes ALL- of my lounge pants, pajama pants , and sweatpants because I've replaced them with the softest, most comfortable lounge pants everrrr. I like these (men's version) vs their women's version because they're longer and more versatile.
- It's warming up over here (in the Pacific Northwest) which calls for porch time. Since Jim (our new household addition) doesn't fully understand that sometimes we go out on the porch just exist there and not to rush down the stairs for a walk, I found this nifty retractable gate that can be secured to the top of the stairs. It works so well and isn't an eye sore!
- Not only are these animal candles cool, but as they burn, they have a metal skeleton inside that gets exposed. Completely unnecessary, but way too fun to resist.
And this month's can't live without item…
- I'm a broken record about my fav mug that holds the exact temperature of my tea no matter what, but what I haven't talked about nearly enough is the travel (tumbler) version. I use it even more than my mug because it has double the battery life and you can get a car charger that fits inside the cup holder. Life will never again be a cold sip of tea (or coffee) ☕️
Unpopular Opinion
My Little Pony. Just no. Why is this the redesign? They were so cute before so really what is this? It's like Bratz Dolls are making a come back through the horses.
Personal Musings
A couple years ago, I dropped my dad and his dog off at the airport and said an emotional goodbye. He met an absolutely lovely woman called Sally and moved to the Philippines for his new chapter in his life. As time keeps moving so quickly, I've naturally had emotional moments of missing him deeply, so Laura surprised me with a ticket to go spend time with him over 10 uninterrupted days last month. She stayed home and I set off for an adventure that I had no idea I was in for.
We didn't have island hopping on the agenda. In fact, I was perfectly content with hanging out in the rural outskirts of Iloilo with him in the much needed sunshine. But when I learned that Sally, who grew up there, had never been to Isla de Gigantes, I had to set it in motion. She'd also never swam or snorkeled so it was sooo much fun getting to watch her explore. Basically, thanks to Sally for being the inspiration for this impromptu trip addition.
Now, I'm no travel blogger, but here are some highlights.
1. My dad is a big kid. He loves people and his energy is big enough to fill an entire stadium. He strikes up conversations with anyone, whether they look interested or not 😆
2. Just a cutie picture of dad ❤️
3. Tangke Saltwater Lagoon (easily my favorite swimming spot in my life to date)
4. I didn't know that my dad had never been in a kayak until after I convinced him to jump in one with me so it was real cute that he did with me.
5. It was a 90 minute boat ride from Carles to Isla de Gigantes and it was the perfect temperature and the most vivid blue water.
6. About 10 months ago, they planted a papaya tree that's now 9-10 feet tall. I picked a massive papaya and we ate it for dessert that night.
Not pictured: travel time and being awake for 37 hours straight 😵💫, visiting the mango capital of the world with the sweetest mangos, eating said sweetest mangos, 4 beautiful sweet dogs, road trips, sunsets, stopping at all the roadside stands and markets in search of the best produce, and how my dad pronounces things very, very wrong (and I'm referring to English, not about him trying to speak a different language 🤣).
That's a wrap for this volume of nonsense blab 🥳 Thank you for being here and for letting my weird human self be a part of your creativity.
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