Kk is for Kara.

Save the Date!

2011-04-23T08:41:00.001-07:00

Save the Date design complete! Simple and Sweet.

Wedding Bells!

2011-02-08T10:49:00.000-08:00

Here's a little glimpse into my life over the past few weeks. Wedding planning! So wonderful.

My most recent addition to all the special wedding treasures! Love them.

We're getting married at The Trolley Barn in Atlanta, Georgia. It's the most adorable, perfect little place for us. We can't wait!

Craft projects and decor collecting galore! So so fun.

Oh my goodness, I am having the time of my life. So blessed to get to be marrying my dream come true. And so blessed to have such sweet friends and family surround us with love and excitement! We have so much to be thankful for.

xoxoxo.

A cabinet full of fabric.

2010-08-10T12:28:00.001-07:00

makes me a very happy girl!!

Senior portfolio sampling.

2010-07-27T00:28:00.000-07:00

All designed and made by hand from yours truly. Enjoy!

1. Quilted carry-all tote bag.

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2. "Simple Love" tunnel books

4.75" x 4.75" fabric, book board, kraft paper, vintage papers

*detail of interior image w/ book expanded.

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3. Provencal Garden Dress

*industry size 10. Cotton bodice, linen skirt.

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4. Girl/Boy Quilts- hand embroidered.

60" x 70"

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5. Embroidered Tea Towel w/ crocheted edging. "lambie pie"

*Lacoste, France. Fall 2009

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6. Embroidered wall hanging w/crocheted edging. "Mr. Bunny Pants"

*Lacoste, France. Fall 2009

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6. Embroidered wall hanging w/ crocheted edging. "Lovey Dovey"

*Lacoste, France. Fall 2009

(Ps. scroll down a few more entries incase you missed the little blouses!)

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

2010-06-24T10:19:00.000-07:00

I finally got my thank you cards in the mail today. Hooray!

Bb is for Blouse

2010-06-17T15:32:00.001-07:00

Here are some images of the little Girls' ruffled blouses that I made for part of my senior portfolio. Inspired by that good ol' vintage circus imagery, these little blouses are fun and full of personality. I hope you enjoy the photos as much as I enjoyed making them!

Thank you times a million Caitlin Betsy Bell, for the photos!

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Mail Call!

2010-06-14T21:17:00.000-07:00

It came! It came! About a week ago I ordered this lovely 1940's Rex Fifth Avenue Flapjack Compact from a seller on Etsy. It was actually an exact replacement of a compact I had purchased at a local antique store about a year ago but sadly lost not long thereafter. I just love the dainty little design on the top and the fact that the compact is so big. I'm just so glad to have "it" back!

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Some fun history: This compact dates back to the 1940's, during WWII. The company was able to meet war restrictions with this compact by creating a non-metal case. Made in the USA. Hooray! I'm a happy girl.

Getting Crafty: Spool Hooks

2010-06-14T14:07:00.000-07:00

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Oh my goodness, love these! I found this fun little project on Haylie B. Waring's Blog. Her DIY project was also featured on Design Sponge as a step-by-step tutorial with great instructions and photos. Check it out here and go try it for yourself! I know I'm going to!

I would like...

2010-06-14T13:51:00.001-07:00

more vintage dresses...Yes, please!

It's been a while...

2010-06-07T16:10:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've done anything not related to finishing up my senior portfolio...but now it's done! And today I had the pleasure of scrolling through some blogs that I haven't been able to keep up with lately. Here are some lovely photos I ooh'd and ahh'd over while scrolling through OnceWed today. love love love.

P.S. photos of work from my portfolio coming soon!

Dreaming of...

2010-02-19T11:18:00.000-08:00

Picnics! and Quilts!

(see more lovely photos like this one here.)

And sun-shiny outdoor adventures!

And all of those wonderful things that come along with Spring! Hooray Sunshine! You are magnificent today.

My manifesto so far...

2010-02-04T16:37:00.000-08:00

*Photo Credit: Erica Parker (http://ericaparker.wordpress.com/)

Manifesto for Making

1. Love and live by the beauty in the details.

2. Making and baking go hand in hand.

3. Don’t seek out the moments or make excuses to take breaks; let them find you. It’s more fun that way.

4. Love what you do and do it well. “Your God-given purpose will always coincide with someone’s need. You will always be excellent at what you are truly passionate about. People are always willing to pay for what they need if it is truly excellent.”

5. Money isn’t everything. “The riches of personal fulfillment easily compensate for the lack of material reward when one is living a life of purpose.”

6. Never second-guess yourself or your work. But don’t settle for something when you are genuinely feeling unresolved.

7. Stretch your mind, heart, and hands through continuous learning. You never know what process(es) you might love next.

8. Surprise people with fun little handmade gifts.

9. Drink coffee. Out of cute mugs. Lots of times and lots of it.

10. Never stop collecting. Ideas. Images. Objects. Materials. You name it, take hold of them.

11. “Sewing is easy. Sewing is profitable. Sewing is Fun. Be Patient. Be Persistent. Keep Trying. Perseverance Pays.”

12. Embrace the past and the individuals that lived it. There is much to be learned from it. And from them.

13. Be quick to recognize the needs of others. Serve them. And don’t think twice about helping. This is what you were created for.

14. Find joy in every circumstance. In every broken needle. In every incorrectly sewn seam. There are lessons to be learned, and laughter to be found.

15. People (both creative and non-creative alike) understand and appreciate color and texture. Or at least want to. And if they don’t, make them. Use this to your advantage and combine them brilliantly!

16. When the creative process is flowing, don’t stop!

17. Make the things you want to make. Then find little ways to make them even better!

18. You don’t have to forsake the cuteness or the sweetness to find the toughness. Just the same, you don’t have to remove the toughness to hold on to the cuteness. It’s not necessarily about cuteness vs. toughness. It’s about cuteness and sweetness with adamancy.

Dear Nana, I've got bad news...

2009-10-15T02:11:00.000-07:00

There are no starbucks here. None. Not one. (Although I did look it up and there are apparently 40 stores in Paris.) And even if you do want a cup of coffee, most likely you have to sit and drink it at the cafe. The concept of "To-Go" doesn't really exist here,

which is unfortunate when you have to decide between really wanting a cup of coffee and wanting to keep shopping/sight seeing (especially when you're on a time schedule).

While we were in Nimes last weekend we stopped at this little cafe for a bite to eat and I wanted a coffee really bad. I ordered a cafe au lait (coffee with steamed milk). I was thrilled when I recieved this cup of coffee. Here's why: Up until this point all the coffees that have been brought out to me have been either in tiny little coffee cups or in a regular sized cup but less than half full (I'm being pessimistic I realize, but its the truth). What I do order is normally very good. Of course, not as good as a white mocha! And probably only "very good" in comparison to the burnt tasting "diner coffee"-as Janelle calls it, that's provided here on campus. I end up finishing it very quickly and it never seems to be enough to satisfy. The cup of coffee that they brought out to me was in a good sized coffee mug and was also totally full. I was SO happy and the coffee was really good! It even came with one of those tasty biscof cookies. yum!

While we were sitting there finishing up our lunch (We sat outside), I noticed these two women walk away from the cafe with these little red to-go cups. I got really excited for a second but didn't want to get my hopes up. I thought surely it HAD to be coffee in those cups. And I wanted one. For all I knew this may have been my only chance for a to-go cup of coffee while in France. I asked the woman in my poor French if they had the cafe creme "to-go" She said "Oui!" and I excitedly told her I would like one of those s'il vous plait! (She probably thought I was crazy. But I didn't care.)

It was an exciting day for coffee. I walked away from that cafe a very happy girl, proud of what I had discovered. But still, there are no Starbucks nonetheless. And even if their were, It probably wouldn't be as good as it is in the States.

St. Remy and Les Olivades

2009-10-08T06:40:00.000-07:00

The other day all the fibers girls went on a field trip to Les Olivades and the town of St. Remy. Les Olivades is the last local printing facility left to print traditional provencal fabrics. The experience was amazing. There were beautiful, beautiful fabrics. Lot's of interesting machinery. Ton's of screens. And giant printing tables that seemed to go on and on for eternity.

Here's what I got to see:

This woman was our tour guide at Les Olivades.

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This was one of the screens that they use to print the fabrics. It was bigger than me!

(P.S. Look daddy! I finally got the zipper put into my feedsack skirt and I looooved wearing it so much!)

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This is their giant washing machine.

And here are those printing tables that never seemed to end. Luckily they were printing some yardage that day and we were able to watch the process. We could have probably stayed and watched them print all day!

Beautiful fabrics everywhere you looked.

Sweet little printed scarves from their showroom. It's funny but these reminded me of my screen printing final...(the image that I used above as the header for my blog was also a screen print I did this summer!)

After Les Olivades we went and wandered around the cute little town of St. Remy. Janelle, Erica, Melissa, and I ate sandwiches at a cute cafe, enjoyed ice cream, and bought chocolates from the most amazing little chocolate store in the world!

It was a great day. The best day yet.

This is where I live!

2009-10-08T05:54:00.000-07:00

This is the view of the town of Lacoste from the valley below. I live somewhere in there!

This is the entrance to our sweet little dorm room/ home away from home. There are eight of us living in the house (two to a room for the most part) and surprisingly enough the two shower bathroom hasn't been a problem at all. It's such a great group of us! We have so much fun together...Lots of movie watching. Lots of chatting. and lots of late night dancing!

This is my bed. I brought my strip quilt with me that I made in art quilt spring quarter and I am so happy that I did! I love having it here with me and It's also much nicer to look at than the horrible hot pink and purple comforters that were on our beds when we got here. We have our little room decorated all cute and it's slowly feeling like more of a place that I can call my own than a dreary stone walled cave.

This is the Boulangerie (our library) and It's one of my most favorite little spots here on "campus" It's really cozy and very close to my "home" which is just right down that little alley way to the left!

We went on a little nature hike to explore the area with Pam and the following are pictures of what we saw:

Imagine millions of these tiny tiny snails stuck to the plants all over an open field. There were little white dots for miles.

This interesting little plant is called a teasel.

I just thought these little flowers were too precious.

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Thats all for now. Isn't it so beautiful!

Isle Sur La Sourge.

2009-09-25T11:48:00.000-07:00

On our third day here we woke bright and early and the wonderful Pamela Wiley took us (the fibers girls!) to the antique market of Isle Sur La Sourge. Lucky for us it happens ever Sunday! I was still feeling kind of weird about where I was (meaning not at home or in Savannah....In fact, very far away from both!) but seeing all of those treasures and beautiful antiques perked me right up! We saw some lovely trims, ribbons, and textiles and lots of other beautiful little trinkets. I could hardly contain my excitement. I'm looking forward to the many, many visits we take to Isle Sur La Sourge! I haven't bought anything YET, but here is some of what I "oooohed" and "aahhhhed" over!

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These two were quite the characters and you couldn't help but love them both. I could tell they wanted to come home with me really bad.

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This was the most content little pup I've ever seen. He was perfectly satisfied just snuggled up in his basket. Too cute.

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On to the next adventure.

2009-09-20T13:42:00.000-07:00

Ugh. I feel like I am skipping so much about London (And it truly was SO wonderful!). But in order to stay on top of things I am going to move straight to Lacoste. Not being able to update the blog while in London has put me a little behind and the internet here is pretty iffy as well. BUT We're here! We got to Marseille just fine and the meet up with the rest of the group was easy. It was pouring down rain when we got here and it even hailed on us once we got to the village. It was all very exciting. After the rain calmed we checked in and were given our room keys. I will be living with a group of incredible fibers girls and we've already been enjoying it so much. Once it stopped raining the sun began to peak through the clouds and we got to see the most gorgeous rainbow over the valley below.

The view here is absolutely incredible. It almost seems unreal. The past couple of days have consisted of getting settled and adjusted, visiting markets, and exploring the village. There's something new to discover every day!

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exploring the Pont Julien on the way back from the market at Apt(another town close by).

here's a little glimpse of what I walk through every day.

another view of the valley below.

I hope that this quick little post gives you somewhat of an idea of where I'm living. Although I can hardly believe it myself sometimes! I will post some images of my room and such later. The food has been surprisingly tasty. Unbelievably better than the SCAD cafe food in Savannah! Classes start tomorrow but not quite for me...I have both of my classes on Tuesday/ Thursday. One from 9-12 and the other from 1-4. Keep following along with me on this little adventure. Much more to come!

We're here!

2009-09-14T16:19:00.000-07:00

Yep. That's right. Mine and Janelle's dream since freshman year has finally come true. We've made it to London! Got 0 hours of sleep on the flight over. literally, zero. It took us nearly 4 hours to get from the airport to the train station where the people we are staying with would be picking us up. We drug our three bags up more stairs and hills than you could possibly imagine but people were being so helpful and a lot of times ended up carrying them up for us. I tried to remain positive and up beat through it all, laughing about our unbelievable situation (even though I couldn't feel my hands and quickly developed several blisters and kept running over my heels with my luggage. I was definitely bleeding by the end of the day). I will give you more details about this little adventure Sarah and I endured later. I have so much to say but am too tired to do so. I will leave you with a video. Did I mention that I'm in FREAKING London!?

Oh, P.S. The home that we are staying in is absolutely spectacular! It's the most precious but modern little flat I've ever seen. The couple (and baby Hugo!) are wonderful as well. Live in London? Yes. Yes, I certainly think I could.

Babies!

2009-09-10T20:21:00.000-07:00

I just found out today that two dear, sweet, and wonderful people (which just happen to be great friends of mine!) are expecting a little one. In fact, so many friends seem to be expecting right now! Precious new life, how wonderful!

This beautiful couple was married back in June and I could not be more excited for them! They will make fantastic parents, I just know it! This is the video they put together to share the news with their parents who live in different states and I think its the most precious thing I've ever seen!

Congratulations Jared and Maria! Love you both so much!

PSL is back!

2009-09-04T08:50:00.000-07:00

I have been so ready for fall weather and since I've been home the weather has been fabulous! I can tell that fall is in the air and I love it...I went to Starbucks the other day planning on getting my usual white mocha but then I saw this big sign which read "Pumpkin Spice Latte is Back." My face lit up and my order quickly changed! Oh, pumpkin spice it is so nice to see you again. As I like to say, "It's like Fall in a cup." mmmmm.

Shoe Clips.

2009-09-01T11:13:00.000-07:00

I just finished my online orientation for Lacoste. Exciting! It was lovely and we even got a little french lesson from Madame Barbier. So fun! They said things like "pack light" and "This is not a fashion show!" People have been telling me this ALL my life (like my mom on the first day of kindergarten! hah.) and to them I respond: "Are you kidding me, it's always a fashion show!" My mom has learned over the years to accept this and I'm certainly not going to change now... especially since this is Europe for goodness sake! Last night I made these cute little bow shoe clips which I plan on wearing with my favorite flats(s). you understand.

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a little hot glue goes a long way.

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Tada. and Umm...Yes, Please!

Antiques! and things for France.

2009-09-01T08:01:00.000-07:00

Since I've been home I've been DYING to visit some of my favorite antique stores. On Sunday Mom and I went to Flue de Coop (adorable antique store with a great eye for display) and yesterday we visited Big Shanty Antique Mall (Love this one simply because well, it's Humongous!) Here are some of the items I snatched up:

Cute portable cake stand I've had my eye on for a while. Finally went on Sale: $10! and precious children's book from the 1940's "Let's Take Turns" with adorable illustrations. this booth was on sale too. Hooray!

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The following are the things I found at Big Shanty. My mom told me that she would ship one box of stuff to Lacoste for me and I have decided that it will most likely be random supplies for classes. Although the idea of having something that I consider to be slightly important for school shipped to Europe kind of terrifies me, I'm warming up to it. And besides Luggage gets lost all the time anyways, right? It's not like having it in my suitcase is any more of a guarantee it will get to Europe with me....yikes. However, I'm praying for no lost luggage!

Old sewing pattern box I plan to fill with fabrics, yarns, ribbon, etc. and cute victorian tin for random things like glue sticks, tape, paint brushes, etc. Adorable painting I found for $5. When the woman was ringing me up she says: "she looks like a little french woman" and I just smiled and felt inspired by my upcoming trip!

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Supplies! They are ready to travel.

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This last set is purchases I made from @home while I was still in Savannah. I am in love with the "Pins and Needles" organizer.

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Needless to say...I am getting soooo excited for this trip!!!

Screen Printing

2009-08-28T14:55:00.000-07:00

This summer I had the pleasure of taking screen printing with Jeremy Noonan and wonderful classmates. I went into the class not expecting much...to be honest I was pretty much expecting to hate it. But that was not the case. I ended up loving screen printing and had so much fun working around everyone in my class! Here are some images of my in-progress workings for my final. My inspiration came from 1920's textiles and fashions. In particular, lace and vintage hats! I will post images of the completed project once I take them! Enjoy!

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For real this time.

2009-08-28T11:21:00.000-07:00

So I created this blog about a year ago and sadly, that's about as far as I got. But this time it is going to happen. I AM going to make this happen! I'm about to start my senior year as a fibers major (hooray!) and I believe it is required (if not, highly encouraged!) to keep up with your own blog anyways. Also, I am about to embark on an exciting adventure to France for 8 weeks to study in Lacoste and create what will be the beginnings of my senior portfolio with the wonderful Pam Wiley (Madame P!). I am sooo excited and want to be able to keep everyone updated with entries and images along the way!

Get ready for an exciting adventure!

-Kara.

P.S. I am going to try and figure out how to get this blog looking a bit snazzier!