October 1st

Oh, delicious days of October... Let this feeling linger within me always.

     It's been a long, long time since I've blogged. It's not that I haven't wanted to, but you know how life goes. It tends to get in the way of things. 

     I've been working...a lot. This is my first ever 40 hour job and I really do love it. But lately, with Autumn tugging at the edge of Summer, I've started to long for the freedom; the inspiration that kicked me in to motion almost a year ago when I started this blogging/Etsy journey.

     I've been feeling reminiscent as I've been planning my next trip to California. I can't wait to wake up in my Grandma's house and drink coffee. To hear all about school from my brother and sisters. To sit with my Grandma. To dream with my mom.

     Has it really been almost a year since we made the trek to California to say our goodbyes to the man who filled life with such joy? Has it really been almost a year since we all held each other and cried? Has it really been almost a year since I moved away from Colorado for three months? Has it really been almost a year since I discovered who I am and what I am meant to be doing? 

    It's easy to get caught up in "life" and before you know it a year has gone by, and you look back and wonder what you've been doing with yourself....

Autumn has many emotions. 

     It's a time of birthdays, and a time of death. It's a time of anniversaries and new beginnings. It's a time to soak in the explosions of colors and drink pumpkin spice lattes. It's a time full of delicious scents that only come this time of year. It's a time for friendships and "fall themed" pedicures. It's a time when the world glows as the sun shines through the golden leaves. It's a time to be thoughtful and thankful. It's a time of joy, a time of hope, a time to be quiet and maybe even a little melancholy. 

    I'm hoping and praying that as this season progresses, I don't lose sight of where I was this time last year. That I don't feel discouraged. That I embrace the inevitable sadness that will fill the days to come as we approach the first year anniversary of Grandpa leaving this world... I hope that Heaven is like a never ending October.


     October marks my official first day of Fall. There's this indescribable feeling that comes with October 1st. It's the true symbol of Fall.


     Nothing compares to this feeling of sitting at one of my coffee shops, and being able to look out the window at the mountains bursting in to flame from the sun kissing the changing leaves.

Oh, delicious days of October.

 

Crazy Thing Called Life

     Hello everyone!

     It's good to be back. I have a feeling this will be a long post, and unfortunately no pretty pictures.

     As you've all noticed, I have been gone for quite some time. Not intentionally mind you. It's just that sometimes life gets in the way. 

     Life in the apartment has it's challenges. For one, I didn't think I would miss having real internet access this much. But boy, does it make things difficult. I've also been busy working, working, working. This is the first time in my life that I've had a 40 hour week job, and I love it! I'm currently working at Sports Authority (not the type of place you'd picture me in, eh?) and I love my co-workers and my job so it's been great. I will be starting another part-time summer job in a few weeks too at our famous tourist attraction: The Glenwood Springs Caverns Adventure Park. I work at an old time photo booth there, owned by a friend. I also got hired at a local's favorite restaurant, but ended up turning down the position after realizing how little time I have already. Life!

     I've also been working on a fun project with a dear friend (more info to be released soon) called "Bloom".  It's been very time consuming, and taken a lot of brain power, but I feel like the ball is officially rolling now and everything is falling in to place.

     I've been out with friends. A lot. Every free chance I get I'm usually on a coffee date or out walking or grabbing dinner with someone. It's been a really great time for me to build relationships and to spend quality time with quality women in my life.

     Another stressful but fun thing that's been going on is prepping for birthdays, Mother's Day, and thinking about wedding gifts for friends and family. A good family friend and I share the same birthday, and I will be away, so I've been having fun browsing the  local shops and coming up with some fun ideas for her. It's a little sad that we won't be able to celebrate on our day this year. It's become a sort of tradition; one we began long before they moved to China, and one we've continued since they moved back. 

     Amidst all this stuff that is life, we've also been getting ready for two vacations (one literally right after the other). Tomorrow, we're leaving for Moab for a Mother's Day trip with the in-laws. They go every year with the boys, but this is the first year my mom hasn't been here for the big day, so I'm going too. I'm eager to get out of town for a bit and not stress anymore. We'll be getting home from Moab on Sunday, and I go straight to work that afternoon to close. Then two days later the hubby and I, my brother-in-law, and the friend are hitting the road for California for eleven days! Beach for my birthday, here I come! We're going for my cousin's wedding, but we'll be there over my birthday too. I can't wait to get away. Now that it's closer, the stress seems to have melted away and I feel nothing but excitement. 

     So as you can see, life has been a little crazy (and here I thought May would be a little quieter than April was). But it makes for a blog post once I can actually sit down and write! I plan on writing at least a few times in California since I will have endless internet and my favorite photo taking spots at my disposal. 

    Until next time, my lovelies! 

     
     



     

Winter: Just In Time For Spring

      Coming home from California, I expected to come home to snow. I was grateful to return home to a warm Colorado winter, but as time went on I began to miss the wintery wonderland that is home. I kept hearing "There's snow in the forecast this weekend!" or "We're supposed to get snow tonight!". Yeah right. 

     Just when I was giving up hope, the temperatures were starting to climb, and flowers were starting to bloom, I should have known that Colorado would be throwing me a curve ball. And just in time for spring!

     My town is a magical place in the winter. I am happy that this is home for right now. Here's the view from my street on the one cold, snowy day since I've been back.

     Our house looks awfully charming covered in snow. Our apartment is the window by the table.
 

     The view from our front porch. Our house isn't the only crooked one on the street apparently.
 

     This is looking directly across the street from our front porch. I love being surrounded by big trees and the mountains.
 

     Here's to appreciating the things I undervalued in the past. Every year seems to be different. I either love it or hate it, and this year, I am grateful for this Colorado Wonderland.

Update: Colorado Living

     Oh my, I have been a slacker these days when it comes to blogging. Here's an update of what's been going on here in Colorado, and hopefully I'll have some pictures of town and life to share with you all soon. I've been feeling slightly...unmotivated, and trying hard not to let that feeling take over.

     Life has been falling back in to a normal routine. I'm still slowing bringing things home from storage and trying to make our place cozy. 

     I've been on the job hunt for a while now and haven't had too much luck. I keep waiting for feelings and I'm not getting them. For those of you who don't know me well, I'm a very feelings person. I get these gut feelings sometimes that I just have to go along with. Such as my previous job. I vowed I would never work in childcare, and as soon as I saw that job listed in the newspaper, and I knew instantly I was meant to apply and that I would get the job. I haven't had that feeling yet. Well...not completely. I have a few conflicted feelings about a couple places, so prayer for clarity would be greatly appreciated. I have a follow up interview at Sports Authority today, which I had a good feeling about yesterday, and today have an odd conflicted feeling about. 

     This past weekend I went to Lunafest with my mother-in-law. For those of you who don't know what Lunafest is (like me before researching it) you can find out all about it here and perhaps attend one in a town near you! It was a fun night with dinner beforehand, and then the film festival at the historic Hotel Colorado.

     Yesterday I helped a dear friend substitute (she substituted, I mostly observed for future reference) at a local private school that we both have a soft spot for. She graduated from the school as well as taught there, and I spent much of my childhood with people who attended the school, went on field trips with them, and took a few classes there as well.

     I've been trying to branch out more and surround myself with people. I've spent a lot of time with good friends, been hanging out at the local coffee shop, gone to Trivia Night at the local burger place where my husband works, spent time with his friends, went to a worship concert in Basalt, assisted substituting, attended a women's film festival. I'm trying to say yes to things I might otherwise have said no to. I feel like since I was in California, that I am more outgoing and want to be around people more. 

     I'm trying to get back in to the swing of things as far as eating healthy and working out. Which hasn't been too successful so far, but I'm going to try and really start this journey in the next week or so. Prayers!

     I've spent a lot of time walking around lately, and taking in the beauty that is a small mountain town. I'm learning to be content where I am and find splendor in the small things. Snow gently kissing the tops of the mountains, tiny flowers popping up along the sidewalks, the familiar feel of my favorite coffee shop, running in to friends unexpectedly. 

    I may not know exactly what I'm going yet, but I know I'll figure out. Life doesn't stand still, and I don't want to either. So for now, I'll continue to love where I'm at, and be grateful for every second. I will try and blog more and keep you updated. 

There are some discounted prices at the shop! Please take a look and maybe something will say "buy me!", hehe.

Check out my Etsy shop here!

  

The Project

     Here I am, sitting in my new apartment. Home. It’s starting to feel like home anyway. I like to call it, "The Project". It’s been a fitting name so far. I’ve always been drawn to more rundown, in need of some TLC homes.

     
    My husband and I began searching for a new home while I was still in California. After searching Craigslist, we found one to look at, and I kind of fell in love, despite how dingy it looked. Before I knew it, it was ours. It’s a strange feeling to be so far away, and to know that you’re going to go “home” to something so new and unfamiliar….
 

     The apartment is right down town in Glenwood. The ideal location for most people apartment searching here. It’s in an old Victorian style home, separated in to four apartments, and another one out back. A situation I’ve always wanted to live in. Weird, I know.

    
      After my husband starting moving in, he sent me pictures to show me “just how bad it was”. And yes, it’s odd, it’s dirty, it’s small, it’s old. But, I kind of love it.
 

   
      Thankfully, I was able to spend a lot of time on the internet looking up cheap ways to update, create storage, and make a small space livable. I began to visualize what our new place could look like, despite the previous sad attempts at updating, the slanting floors, and old carpet.
 

      I immediately clung to the things that appealed to me most; the old brick chimney that is slightly exposed, the original windows, the pedestal sink in the bathroom, the white walls…these are my inspiration for creating home.
 

     I’ve had this weird thing for a long time about wanting to live in a more rundown place. Not necessarily a fixer-upper situation, but a place that’s livable-rundown...

     I think this desire comes from movies, you know, where the young woman gets her apartment in the city with exposed brick walls, old windows, charm. She finds herself in her home. I don’t know…maybe it’s not a movie. Maybe I’m just odd, haha. Either way, I seemed to have idealized that sort of life, and I feel like I’m finally able to get a taste of that in my small, mountain town. 

     I know this place doesn’t and won’t appeal to the majority of people. Here in America, the newer, the bigger, the better. But for me, I am perfectly content in my shabby palace, with the one I love.

     It's beginning to feel cozy and homey. A place to be comfortable; to come back to and call home.


    

Do What Makes Your Heart Sing

      I don't know about you fellow artists, creators, DIYers, but a lot of times when I'm creating, I do it with the purpose of pleasing others. I tend to lean towards things that I know are trendy right now and that a general audience might be drawn to. And, I don't think there's anything necessarily wrong with keeping your intended audience in mind, but only if  you plan on selling what you're making. 
      For me, I'm trying to switch gears in my brain. I'm trying to break free from the mindset of "following the crowd", and I want to make what makes me happy and inspired. Because chances are, if I like it and I am inspired, that someone, somewhere will also enjoy it! Obviously, this is how many people launch their own businesses and whatnot, but it's been something I've struggled with for a while. Create something I know will probably sell because it's trendy, or create something unique that may not be well received, but it brought me joy making. And the number one game changer for me has been to only make things that I would personally pick up in a store and say "hey! I need that!". A little taste of my own personal style you could say.

     I'm still a work in progress, but I find that when I do what makes my heart sing, my products are better received, and I'm happier because I don't feel like I've copied a million other people or that I'm trying to appeal to the masses. I've made something that is personal to me. 

     I would like to take you through a little bit of my creative process I guess you could say, and show you some of my newest listings that you can find here!

      I'm pretty sure that those who know me well, know that I love me some infinity scarves. When I first started making these scarves, I would knit one (with the intention of selling mind you), and before I knew it, I had finished it and was keeping it for myself. Yeah. This happens frequently. I personally own three or four of my own circle scarves now, and I have every intention of adding cream and black to my collection before it's too warm to wear them anymore! Hey, free advertising right? 
 
     My very first scarf was supposed to be part of a blanket. I had just started getting back in to knitting, and was making googly eyes at all the lovely knit and crocheted blankets I was seeing on Pinterest. I am an extreme DIY girl, and if I see something that I can't afford to buy, I will make it. Or at least...attempt to make it.

      This is what was supposed to be a blanket! I quickly realized, that it was going to take a lot of yarn to complete. So I knitted a rectangle, and then let it sit for weeks with every intention of finishing it. 
     One day, I was fed up with looking at this blue mass hanging from my knitting needles, so I finished it off and sat there staring at it. It suddenly occurred to me, that if I sewed the ends together, I would have myself a long coveted infinity scarf! And thus, the scarves were born. From there, I started posting about them on Facebook, and soon friends became interested (another great way to achieve free advertising!). One friend traded me a TV for scarves for his whole family! Uhm, win-win there!

You can view all the scarves I have available at etsy.com/shop/forestandseacreative. Also, check out my Scarf Happy post here!

     Imagine if I had finished that blanket. I never would have launched a "business" of my own if I hadn't started with that simple pile of blue yarn. They are what made me want to truly pursue becoming an Etsy seller. And hey, if nothing else, I have my own collection of glorious scarves just for me, haha!

     Jewelry has been an area I've struggled with the most. I know what I like. It should be that simple right? Wrong! This is where I have had the hardest time creating for me and not for the crowds. I recently made my first sale on Etsy, and that was a slight ego boost my friends! Especially since it was something that I wasn't sure how well it would be received. It was different, it was big, and was sparkly. And it was the first thing to sell! I cannot tell you how that has helped change my thinking about what I do. It just reassured me that creating with my own originality in mind is the best way to go.

My first sale on Etsy!

     Making this first sale gave me the motivation to continue doing what I love. It inspired me to create a second, similar piece.

I am obsessed with these harem style bracelets!

     I had this deer charm sitting around for so long. It's when I let go, and let the piece create itself in a way, that it all comes together in a magical way. I know it's not everyone's style, but I love it so much!

   A recent trip to Hobby Lobby, in search of a birthday gift, quickly turned in to a shopping-for-myself trip (anyone else do this?). I will admit, that I did not come home with a gift. I came home with supplies for myself. Yeah. Uh huh. It happened. But, just look at these darling feathers! Can you blame me?

I bought these purple/floral beads years ago and have never found the right project for them. It got to the point where I hated the sight of them because they had been around for so. long. Clearly, because they were waiting to complete these earrings! Sometimes I think the pieces just know what they're going to become one day.

I adore these white and pink speckled beads! They remind me off tiny eggs. And those turquoise glass beads? Love this combo!

      I know I'm doing something right, when I sit down to make something and there isn't the slightest hesitation in my mind. Everything flows together in a magical way, and the pieces are created effortlessly. I know I need to take a break and reevaluate what I'm doing if I've hit a creative roadblock. 

This gorgeous turquoise color is just speaking to me lately. And there are those speckled "egg" beads again!

     
     Sometimes when I'm out shopping for supplies, I see something and I instantly know what I'm going to do with it. That's how it was with these metal Indian head charms. And also, with these cute, geometric wooden beads.

I love the natural feel of wood. It's simple and beautiful. How about those speckled beads again though? Haha.

     These little treasures were another one of my birthday-gift-shopping-but-shopping-for-myself finds. Can we just talk about how cute these are for a minute? Please? They are so tiny, to minimalistic, so adorable! And the best thing, they came in a pack of about twenty, so there are endless possibilities here! Suggestions for the next project?

     My bird nest jewelry has been my "best seller" through friends and family. I've made rings, earrings, and necklaces. This was my first stab at a bracelet. And I am in love with the leather/wire combination! This was time consuming. Probably the most time I've spent on a single project. Mostly because it was a trial and error project I think. I've had the leather cord for quite a while, and every time I've attempted to make a bracelet or necklace out of it, I've hated the outcome. This one came together pretty effortlessly as far as design. It was simply the assembling that took some brain power, and creativity, and left me with sore fingers afterwards!

I love the contrast between the delicate wire, and the more masculine leather.

     I will say, my "Eternity" bracelets were definitely inspired by other sellers. I have longed for one for quite a while, and have tried making my own and just wasn't happy with it. Somehow, this happened. And I think it it absolutely darling! Ideally, I wanted a more delicate looking bracelet, but I'm quite happy with the results, and even made one just for myself which I wear on a daily basis.

     For now, I am content with what I am making. It's inspired by my heart and what makes me happy, and I want people to feel that when wearing my pieces. Each item is made with love! I am looking forward to branching out, and moving up, and getting the chance to work with more materials, and creating higher quality products. That won't be tomorrow, but I know it's coming and I am excited to see where this adventure leads me next!

What words would you use to describe my style? Please comment below or head over to the Forest and Sea Creative Facebook page and leave your words! And as always, if there is something you would like to see, I love suggestions!

Day Dreaming With Jesus

     Hi everyone,
I started participating in an online "Bible study" (it's free to join; just follow this link) and it was strongly encouraged to take time out of your day for quiet. For stillness. For alone time with your thoughts and with God. I took the advice (which I've heard many times and only today have put it in to action), and chose to spend this time out in the semi-tranquil backyard, painting. Here's what I ended up with.

     I had been wanting to do a dream catcher painting because 1. I love them and 2. a friend of mine did a dream catcher painting recently and it was gorgeous and inspired me! 

     I had a..."moment" I guess you could say as I was watching today's video from the study. Jeanne, who starts the study off, was talking about how we are all born with gifts. We are all unique. We all have a path of our own to travel. Obviously, the old saying "life is a journey" is true. But today (with the help of Jeanne), I realized that I alone was born for this. I have been called to this life, right here, right now. And it may not be perfect, and it's always a little messy, but it's the life I was born to live. That is an empowering thought! It also gave me a little perspective on my creative endeavors. It made me switch gears in my brain, and I suddenly don't feel this harshness and judgey feeling towards my own work. Because what I am doing right now, is what I am meant to be doing right now. Talk about the pressure being lifted!

     
     Jeanne talks about not focusing on others lives and gifts because you may miss out on your own life! You cannot shine if you are not being you and doing what inspires you. She encourages us to not hoard our gifts. We were given our talents, our brains, our passions, our gifts to share with one another, and to share the gift of God. 

     So be encouraged, dear friends! You are where you are supposed to be, right now! God knows your heart. He knows your desires. And he made this day, this moment, with you in it for a purpose. This is your calling!

     A little Scripture as I leave you this evening...

      So use your gifts, whatever they may be. They were gifted to you by the One who loves you and knows you best. This is your calling, your path. Take pride in it, don't hoard your gifts, and give the glory back to Him.

DIY Nail Polish Flower Crown

     Can we just take a minute to oooh and aaah over this please? I am quite proud.

     I saw a photo going around Pinterest of this gorgeous little flower crown. And my mind was blown when I realized they were using nail polish to create these beauties! That's right, you heard correctly. Nail polish. So, I decided to give it a try. I unfortunately don't have a tutorial of my own, so I will have a link to the original post below. Here are a few things that I had to deal with while creating these beauties.

     There was a little trial and error here, because the wire for the petals had to be touching to keep the nail polish in this bubble wand like state. And first my wire was too thin and flimsy, and then it was too heavy and hard to shape. Thankfully I have a mandril so it helped with the shaping process, but honestly, a spoon or pencil or any other object with a similar shape will work great! 

     You can see the original tutorial that I found here. I absolutely love their color choices and I hope to make a full flower crown some day. Just to warn you, it is extremely time consuming, but so rewarding when you get to see the final project!

Sisters Chasing The Light

     Today started out taking photos of my newest Etsy item. It quickly escalated in to laughs, funny photos, and a good time with my sister. The lighting was gorgeous today and it seemed to turn in to the theme for our impromptu photo shoot. Here are some photos from our day.

You can find this new bracelet here!

I don't know what it is about this big bush/tree, but I seriously love it.

Things started to take a turn for the crazy right about here.

Confused a bit...?

We become "one" with nature around here.

Did someone say "ethereal"?

Even the brother wanted to be involved!

     We decided to continue on with our "light" theme, and headed up to the Diamond Bar Center to take some pictures of the sun setting over the city.

It was finally warm enough to wear shorts again today!

Natural beauty I'm afraid.

The Honda checking out the view.

     

     It was a gorgeous, warm, sunshiney day. As cheesy as it is, sunshine on my shoulders, really does make me happy!