A Beautiful Ripple Effect » Handmade

Do you adore dates?

Carolyn — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 17:57:53 +0000

The busier I become the more I rely on design and handmade sentimental pieces to inspire all aspects of my life. As a graduate student, I rely on my calendar to guide me from point a to point b. Dates were never very meaningful to me… until now, 41 days pre-wedding! It finally feels real (very real!) and I’m excited to begin this new chapter in my life. Recently, I have noticed a strong pull towards all things date-related. It’s fun to watch my relationship with dates evolve from an all-or-nothing mentality of dates = deadlines to a more inviting mentality of dates serving as inspiration and a spark of excitement!

… what is your relationship with dates? rsvp: adore // despise // neutral

brilliant dates: almost sunday designs, west willow designs, evapaul design

Pure Bliss: Images to Make You Smile (and lovely giveaway)

Carolyn — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 11:00:35 +0000

Whenever I need a moment to breathe or a quick zing of positivity, I find serenity in visual inspiration. Each image that I look at evokes a different emotional response — creating an exciting adventure. I have so much fun curating little collections from these journeys. Below is a collection made just for you entitled “Pure Bliss.” I hope that whatever your circumstance may be today, at least one of these images makes you smile.

Comment on this post for a chance to win one item from an artist featured below. Comments will be closed Sunday, June 20th at 6:00 pm EST. TWO recipients will be announced Monday June 21st! The recipients will be able to choose their favorite item (item must be $25 or less). Comments make me smile!

:: credits ::

row 1 (from left to right): Nan Lawson, Kristybee, Indo Bay, Tuuni

row 2: Lynda Naranjo, Maisy and Alice, Yvette Inufio, Little Brown Pen

row 3: HeyZee, L. Evans Photography, The Light Fantastic, Quotes and Notes

:: announcements + more ::

-> I have quietly launched a very new and exciting service, Discovery Sessions. These 1 on 1 sessions are part idea consulting and part coaching. They are magical! I plan to post all about this new type of service, how it came to be, and all of those juicy details in the coming weeks. But if you want to grab a spot to work with me during June or July, secure your spot quickly. As of June 13th, only six spots left!! Click here to learn more, purchase your session(s), and begin immediately via the online welcome guide!

:: update (june 21, 2010): giveaway recipients! ::

… and the two recipients are Anna and Jadyn! congratulations, inspiring ladies!

… and to all individuals who left comments, look in your inbox this week for a special little goodie from me :)

Your Emporium for Visual Inspiration: papernstitch (and super giveaway)

Carolyn — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 19:19:29 +0000

Papernstitch is an online exhibition space that was created to promote talented artists, designers, and makers selling handmade goods. The exhibition space is curated monthly and showcases the best of the best on an international level.

The site is a collaborative project for husband and wife team, Brittni and Jeff. It launched in October of 2008 and has been booming ever since! It has quickly become one of my most visited sites – especially since the galleries are always fresh and full of energy. Brittni curates the online exhibitions and has an impeccable eye for beautiful pieces.

While browsing papernstitch today, I couldn’t resist creating a treasury for A Beautiful Ripple Effect. Below are a few of my personal favorites from the current online exhibition.

And I think it’s necessary to end March on a wonderful note so let’s do a giveaway! Comment on this post for a chance to win one item from an artist featured below. Comments will be closed Sunday, April 4th at 6:00 pm EST. TWO recipients will be announced Monday April 5th! The recipients will be able to choose their favorite item (item must be $25 or less).

: : credits : :

row 1 (from left to right): ekate designs – seize the day necklace ($40); essimar papel – paper tile 2 ($36); emily ann designs – birdcage on vintage dresser notecard and sticker set ($18); indo bay – happy linen hang tag ($12)

row 2: jen kiaba photography – “thinking of you” dreamy whimsical fine art print ($30); bananasaurus rex – road less traveled quilt ($65); petunias – icky bag petite ($17.50); starshaped press – “spring has sprung” letterpress poster ($25)

row 3: monster in the closet – bunny flower sketch book ($16); spiffing jewelry – “colors of lust” bracelet in purples ($25); olive manna – wood pattern magnets ($6.50); p.s. it’s in the details – friendly forest think spring collection ($10)

row 4: inmost light – “journey into the unknown” fine art photograph ($21); please be still printshop – “swoon” large print ($39.99); jen singh – “revolve” print ($35); sharma designs – antiqued brass flowered teardrop filigree earrings ($13)

: : subscribe to a beautiful ripple effect! : :

{images: papernstitch}

: : Congratulations to the Recipients! : :

Catherine from Everyday Inspirations

Donna from Needle and Brush

Tuesday Treasures: Begin.

Carolyn — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:29:51 +0000

“Tuesday Treasures” is a weekly series. Each Tuesday, I highlight information and inspiration related to a specific topic. This week’s focus: BEGIN.

: : begin : :

… to create from a blank canvas
… to experience
… to take the first step
… to take bold action (“gulp!”)
… to start
… to let go
… to trust yourself

There is beauty in being a beginner.

Fresh

New video is live on Spring! During the month of March, we are talking about one hot topic: MONEY! The first video (of four) is focused on this question: How do you trust that you can do what you love and the money will follow? And of course, new video = new giveaway. Spend a few minutes relaxing today with Spring – a video conversation with four unique perspectives!

Affirmations

Affirmations are powerful statements/phrases that help motivate you to take a leap of faith, to trust yourself, and to begin. [Affirmations have many meanings; however, in this context, we'll use the definition above.]
- Printable Affirmation Gift Set Freebie by Kind Over Matter
- Create your own affirmation cards. Read: How to Use a Mirror, a Pack of Index Cards and a Pen to Change Your Life

Handmade Inspiration

Seedling – A mini seedling sprouting from a planting pot by Do Little Design
Dreamsetting Kit – One of many inspiring products in the 101Birdtales Shop
Begin Necklace – Etched Silver Necklace by Lisa Hopkins
Explore. Dream. Discover. – Print with Mark Twain Quote by Earmark

Inspiring Words

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off your bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sail. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

- Mark Twain

Give yourself permission to forge beyond the resistance and BEGIN. Today.

What will you begin today?

{image: Jennifer Morris}