the little things

Lately its been the little things, materialistically speaking, that have had me in a good mood. I definitely will say that "things" don't make me happy, but every now and then I come across something that brightens my day. It could be fresh flowers for the house or a new vintage find. 

Here are some of my favorite things right now...

My new beautiful, buttery, leather Valise Journal via Anthropologie. I chose the yellow because it makes me happy, but they also have a gorgeous teal/green color. 

Saltwater Sandals. I've always been a fan of this sandal, but never owned a pair (at least past the age of 5). After Chelsea (a lovely blogger I follow on Instagram) posted a few photos in her classic black Saltwaters I decided to buy a pair. They're SO comfy. I'm very happy with these shoes!

 Two vintage dresses I thrifted for Ella. Those polka dots really got me, and the red nautical buoys? C'mon now...too much.

Lastly I was so excited to find this buffalo check table cloth (which I also thrifted). It fits Ella's kids table perfectly.

Anything that you're fancying lately?

shopping vintage-pt. 2

As promised, here is part 2 of my adventure at the local antique mall. Enjoy!

i don't advocate smoking, but that plane picture would be darling in a boys room
//
vintage type writer

the first photo is a vintage display rack. i hesitated buying it, but it would be amazing for all my hair goodies!
//
another vintage type writer

vintage picnic baskets // library index card case

great vendor display // vintage globe + suitcases

striped kitchen jar (<3 this!) // vintage baseballs

shopping vintage

Unless you live under a rock I'm sure you've heard of Pinterest by now. It's seriously addicting and a well spring of ideas. While browsing I came across some vintage wire baskets used in home decor and LOVED the aesthetic it gave. If you want to check them out (and you do, they're amazing) you can see them in this board (and follow me while you're there!).

Anyways, I decided to take a trip to one of the local antique malls and see if I could find any of these wire gems. While I was there I snapped some photos of some things I think would make great additions to homes decor with a vintage flair, and picked up 2 baskets (one of which happens to be in the last photo). This is part 1 of a 2 part photo heavy post. Enjoy!

vintage bocce balls // vintage pyrex

vintage shirred girl's dress // that collar is amazing

vintage wood box // assorted metal letters + antlers

vintage fan // vintage yellow phone

vintage typewriter // old dairy farm metal crates

Online Fabric Guide

I get most of my fabric from a small handful of places. The majority I buy online, but when I can't wait (need it for a rush order, etc.) there are only two places around town I shop at. I just got two packages this week with beautiful fabrics in them, and I thought it would be fun to share exactly what I'm shopping for these days.

My favorite in the bunch is the Kokka Japanese Bear Friend Fabric. As soon as I opened it I kicked myself for not ordering more (and it was on sale, what was I thinking?!!!). It's just so adorable! The little bears, the girl, the apples, the colors...it's a great print! I've been thinking about what I'd like to use it for, but then I get sad thinking that I may run out. I have a feeling i'll be sitting on this 1/2 yard for a while mustering up the courage to actually use it.

The other fabrics I just scooped up on sale as additions to my fabric collection. I rarely buy fabrics that are full price unless I LOVE them and know that they will sell out fast.

These are some of my favorite places on the web to buy fabrics:

Sew, Mama, Sew!
Fabricworm
Girl Charlee Fabrics 
Hawthorne Threads

Around town I shop at:

Beverly's Fabrics
Joann's Fabrics

I was just introduced to Girl Charlee Fabrics from Rebeka at Artsy-Crafty-Babe. She mentioned using them for the first time and liking the shop, so after reading her post I headed over to the site to check it out. That's where I scooped up the Kokka Bear fabric and the Baby Nay Stripes (in the sale section). Good recommendation Rebeka! Thanks!

Am I missing any other great fabric sites? Where are you buying your fabric from these days? Please share!

{products I love- lipstick}

Most of what I share here on the blog is craft/sewing/project related. Rarely do I mention things I love, my style, or any real personal likes/dislikes. Well, I love makeup/beauty products and fashion, and I thought it would be fun to share one of my favorite beauty items with you. Hopefully it encourages you to step out of your regular makeup routine and try something new, red lipstick! (I promise it's not that scary). 

black + white striped shirt, red lips and tortoise shades

This summer I'm loving red lipstick! It's a classic look and makes any outfit feel finished and pulled together. You can use it to play up vintage or modern fashion senses; it really is a versatile staple!

My go to shade this summer has been Lady Bug my MAC. It's a lustre formula so it's the perfect combo of matte and gloss. A ever so slight sheen that wears beautifully. It has a slight (I mean slight) orange tint which I prefer to the deeper reds, again, great for summer (but perfect for year round!). 

I know a lot of people are worried about pulling red lipstick off. The key is really to get a shade that compliments your skin tone, I'd suggest going to the MAC counter and trying a few shades on. Once you play around with a few shades you'll immediately be able to tell which gives you the "street walker" look and which is the perfect match. 

Also, keep in mind that when wearing red lipstick you should keep your other makeup subtle. You want to play up your lips, so don't do a heavy eye makeup, keep everything else light. I like simple black liquid eyeliner + mascara, and a touch of bronzer when I decide to do a red lip.

So step outside of your comfort zone and try some red lipstick! Once you find the "perfect match" you'll swear by it! Promise!

MAC Lady Bug lustre lipstick

{baking goodies}

I'll start out this post by saying that I'm not being paid or compensated in ANY way by Bake It Pretty for this post. (However I'd love to accept anything from them, as I'm sure you will after reading this post, hehe.) 

I've blogged about Bake It Pretty before, and continue to order all my baking needs from them. They carry every fun, random, unique baking gadget, cup, sprinkle, and cookie cutter you could think up. As soon as I knew that we were going with a ladybug theme for Ella's party I got my order together. I knew that they'd have just what I'd need for baking the cupcakes, and other party goods. 

I decided to go with the giant pastry frosting tip, black and white polka dot baking cups, and cherry red dotted portion cups, and as soon as I got the package in the mail I couldn't wait to get it open. Every time I get my order from them it feels like Christmas!

cute packaging

baking cups and frosting tip

Here are the stock photos of my order from the website:

via bake it pretty

via bake it pretty

via bake it pretty

Everything is SO darling! I can't wait to use it all at the party, especially that giant frosting tip. I've been dying to try that out. I'll be sure to post pictures of how everything turned out. Until then, have some fun browsing their site, you'll be sure to find something that you just have to have.

{I want! Er...Ella wants! On the hunt for bookends}

I've been searching for bookends for Ella's nursery. During a recent trip to Goores (a high end baby store in Northern California) I came across these: the Skip Hop Zoo Bookends- Owl. 

They have a whole "Zoo" line of backpacks, bookends, bibs and lunch pails that are so cute! (I couldn't resist getting Ella this lunch pail, and yes, even though she's only 9 months old we use it almost every day.) It's just too cute not to find something to put in it. 

Then I came across this set of bookends from Pottery Barn which are just perfect for her room. Same color scheme, and they are handmade (or so they say they are on the PB website). Also, I prefer the overall design to the Skip Hop ones. Now I just need to decide whether I will A.) buy them or B.) attempt to make them myself. The PB site gives the dimensions and the fill for them, which is sand (and polyfill I assume). I may have to take a trip into my local Pottery Barn to further examine them.

Until then, I'm one step closer in my search for the perfect bookends. 

Happy Monday!

{baby vintage}

Today Junebug and I spent the afternoon at the thrift store searching for vintage goodies. I needed to find some vintage trims and ribbons for some upcoming projects and Junebug needed to find herself a few vintage items for her wardrobe. The good news is that we both succeeded in the afternoon's quest. Below are a few pics of the vintage baby and children's clothing we found. They range from size 3-6 months to 24 months, and everything was under 5 dollars. Yep, can't beat that!

Isn't this yellow embroidered cardigan just the CUTEST thing ever? The detail on the shoulders is really sweet, and each button has a ribbon bow at the buttonhole.

These are size 24 months, but they are really darling in person. They are yellow and red embroidered and the vintage fabric has the softest worn in feeling.

I couldn't resist this tank top. The little flowers are darling.

It's hard to see but this dress has a crocheted red strawberry near the hemline along with some embroidery. And don't you love the laced ruffle at the sleeve? Size 12 months.

Vintage bloomers with shirring at the leg. Sigh...so cute!

This corduroy dress is darling in person, and the color is to die for. I think i'll need to give it a little detail though...flower? ruffle? something.

Purple gingham shorts/bloomers. I'm thinking with the tank from above they'd be the cutest summer outfit.

And for mama, some vintage fabric, ribbon, zippers, trims and lace. I even scored a couple sheets of tulle for some new clips I'm working on. I love searching for a good find. Everything total was 13 dollars. Yep, mine and Junebug's together. What a steal.

{Happy Thursday + Exciting News!}

I hope everyone is having a great Thursday. I know I am. I'm anxiously awaiting for the mailman, er...mail-person, to deliver a certain smart phone. (Yay iPhone!). I'll be tinkering around with my new toy the rest of the evening i'm sure, of course that's between feedings and dirty diapers.

On another note...I wanted to share with you all some great news! Abstract Grace currently sells items on Etsy, but soon we'll be available via retail store! The Seasons Gift Store in Diamond Bar, California is going to be stocking limited edition items. The Seasons Gift Store is located inside the Calvary Chapel Golden Springs building at 22324 Golden Springs Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765. We're also working on selling items in a few other select retail stores in the Southern California area. We're verrrrrry excited about being able to sell via storefront!

If you don't live in the greater Los Angeles area, don't worry, you can always get your items via Etsy.

We also have some great things in store for you for September and October...I'll give you all a hint. "Giveaway." Stay tuned and Happy Thursday!

Abstract Grace on Etsy!!!

Ok, so this I am suuuuuuper excited to announce! Abstract Grace now (finally) has items in theEtsy store! And they are super adorable. I've been working hard to get them finished, and with a newborn in the house it took a little longer than expected, but I think you'll find that it was worth the wait. All items are handmade for women, children, and baby. You'll find hair accessories, baby goods, and items for most everyone! Check it out!

You can also find us on Facebook, Here.

{Nursery Design}

I've been working hard these last few months getting things together for our little one's nursery. I'll be honest, giving up my craft studio space was kinda disappointing. We moved all my stuff into an armoire, which has actually worked out quite well. One day i'll have a larger house and a whole room dedicated to my sewing and crafting...wouldn't that be nice.

Onto the new use...designing a space for a newborn is HARD. Everything is impractical (what does a newborn really need design wise anyways?). Nevertheless, everything is so CUTE, and expensive. I'm finding if it has the tag "baby" on it, that's a green light to charge a fortune for it. There are a few more touches to the room that I couldn't get on the idea board, but you get the gist of the room.

The idea board above is an actual representation of the things we have thus far. I'll give a run down of my sources:

4 x 6 Green Rug- Urban Outfitters

Crystal Curtain Holdbacks- Urban Outfitters

Brown Linen Curtains- previously had

Rock-a-Bye Rocker in Ivory Chenille- Babies R Us

Bananafish Lily Bedding- Target.com

Hot Pink Ribbon- Michael's

White Footed Dresser- previously had, refinished ourself

Pink Glass Knobs- Look In The Attic

White Wallflowers- Umbra.com

I can't believe we only have 12 weeks to go!!!

{Renegade SF}

So, we're back from Renegade San Francisco 2009, and I must say it was a lot of fun! Over 225 different DIY vendors were there, and there was a great public turn out to the event. Getting through to all the booths was definitely doable in one afternoon, but the crowds made squeezing in to see every last item a little troublesome. The event showcased some great DIY-ers, and products ranging from jewelry, clothing, handbags, paper goods, stuffed items, ceramics, posters, art prints, crayons, candles, baby goods, children's items, reconstructed clothing and jewelry, soaps, etc. It was a lot of fun seeing what other people create, and most definitely got my creative juices flowing.

It made me think about the potential that all sewers/crafters have to make a living doing what they love. There was definitely room for more types of goods, and it made me think about getting my Etsy store up and running. I've been putting it off for no good reason, but after seeing the results at Renegade it's now on the top of my to-do list.

I took some great photos of the event and over the next few weeks, i'll be sharing them with you. Showcasing some new vendors and some already popular in the blogosphere. Overall the event was great, even Travis was excited about all the exhibitors and my upcoming Etsy shop. He always encourages me to sell my crafts, and his entrepreneurial mind is always scheming up ideas, I love that about him. Plus it was nice to be out of the 105 degree Sacramento weather and in the breezy 73 degree San Francisco weather for the day. Here's a pic of Travis and I outside the Renegade Festival at Fort Mason. Can you believe Tuesday is out 2 year wedding anniversary! Yay!