each penny pretty

EPP News

2009-11-02T08:00:00.000-05:00

I don't know if you read my other blog, or if you saw this post, but today I'm here with sad news. I'm going to have to take a break from Each Penny Pretty. I'm reallocating the hours in my day and preparing for the arrival of our second child and trying like crazy to figure out how to solve our financial woes. As much as I love writing this blog, it's also one of the easiest things for me to give up.

I hope you'll consider following me over on Up Up, the Blog. I'll be keeping up with my Creative Commons project over there and I'm planning to feature a lot more indie businesses over the coming months.

I'll be keeping all the EPP posts from the last 8 months online as a resource, so definitely feel free to stop by and browse whenever.

Thanks for reading.

A Good De-Mogging

2009-10-29T08:00:00.000-04:00

If you haven't been reading Moggit, well you really should be. It's one of those blogs that takes about five seconds to read and has you laughing for a full minute. I'm telling you, these girls are on.

But every so often, I just can't help but disagree. Try as I might to follow the Mogg Bloggers to their every punchline -- I kind of love some of the things they hate...

each image is from moggit. go browse their archives to find the original sources. you'll be glad you did.

Think, Thinker, Thinking

2009-10-28T08:00:00.000-04:00

THINK recycled wooden sign, $28

Robot Philosopher - Thinking Man - Poster, $19.95

Thinking of You (Lightbulbs) note card with matching envelope, $3

each image links to its original location.

Creative Commons

2009-10-27T08:00:00.000-04:00

1. Fabric Stairs
2. Spool of thread
3. Garland of hearts
4. vintage kitchen things

The Each Penny Pretty Creative Commons Group was set up as a corollary to this blog to provide a resource for you to find gorgeous art that you can use for personal purposes. For free. It will include the creative commons images I post here on the blog and will also have additional photographs for you to peruse. The way it works is that I go out into the vast world of Flickr, find amazing photography, and invite the photographers to add their work.

And if you want to add your own photographs to share under a creative commons license, you can submit them to the queue for approval.

Things You Can Make While Sitting

2009-10-26T08:00:00.000-04:00

As the weather here in the northern hemisphere cools considerably, I'm thinking it's time for some sitting-on-the-couch projects to expand your creative repertoire and pretty up your home. (If you're south of the equator, think of these as sitting-on-the-beach projects, yeah?)

Tutorials

Queen Anne's Lace Pillowcase Tutorial, by Alicia of Posy Gets Cozy (via Sew Mama Sew)

Do-Si-Do Book tutorial, by Your Secret Admiral (via Etsy's Storque blog)

Traditional Japanese art tutorial, available at Sew Mama Sew

Inspiration

Embroidered hedgehog, by Eva of Apple and Eve

Sashiko-inspired Stitched Bag, by Magdalena of Handy Hands’ Corner. You can find more inspiration at Magdalena's blog.

Embroidered Monograms, by Betsy of Says You

Nea Wall Wear. Some yummy inspiration and a great shop.

each image links to its original location.

Weekend Read: Style Statement

2009-10-23T08:00:00.000-04:00

Dear Readers,

Do you know about Style Statement? Written by Carrie McCarthy and Danielle LaPorte (find the book's website here), it is one of my favorite books. I am delighted when I see it mentioned on blogs, as it always accompanied by gushing similar to my own--this book feels a bit magical.

The idea behind the book is to find two words that define your style across all different spheres--spirit, fashion, art, business, relationships, health, anything and everything. It is based on the business that McCarthy and LaPorte built, with consultations costing upwards of $500. These two women are strikingly different and the balance they struck, working together on this project, is remarkable and inspiring.

The book is filled with beautiful portraits and profiles. Every few pages are open with questions and prompts to be filled in. Questions range from "If I could only wear one outfit for the rest of my life, what would it be?" to "I describe my inner rhythm as ..." Along the way, you'll hone in on your own style statement.

Although it's certainly possible to make decisions without having a style statement, it can be a powerful tool when you're stuck. For those EPP readers who are pinching pennies, it can be a lovely way to prioritize where you spend your dollars and feel confident that you aren't wasting money on things that aren't meaningful to you. There's even a little section on creating a style statement for a couple--a nice idea for those who are fighting over a wagon wheel table and need a little guidance in combining their style into something beautiful and inspiring to both.

Of course, I understand those who scoff at the idea of defining themselves with two words. I understand--but go ahead and try it. See what happens.

Enjoy!

Heidi

P.S. My style statement is cozy wonder. What's yours?

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A freelance writer and editor, Heidi Kellenberger loves discovering new artists and sources of inspiration. You can enjoy her work at HeidisLoveLetters.etsy.com where she is sharing the art of the love letter and writing poems for beloveds around the world. You can find her here each Friday.

Print This: OhSmile

2009-10-22T08:00:00.000-04:00

Don't these printable mailing labels and mini flat cards just make you want to cry a little bit they're so pretty? And free? It's almost too much for my heart to bear.

Designed by OhSmile, available for download at Love.Obsess.Inspire. Go now, before I start getting weepy. Or I guess I mean weepier.

image links to its original location.

On Creativity

2009-10-21T08:00:00.000-04:00

If you don't know Amy from Pikaland, you should. She's cute, she's sincere, and she's like some kind of creative machine. I honestly don't know how she does it all.

Well, that's not entirely true. After reading this post from Etsy's Storque blog, titled "Pikaland's 9 Tips To Be More Creative," I have a little bit more of a clue. And plenty of ideas for myself.

That Amy, man. She makes my head swim.

each image links to its original location.

Creative Commons

2009-10-20T08:00:00.002-04:00

1. Frosty the clothespin
2. rusty bus
3. Holga Noir
4. The Poppet Head

The Each Penny Pretty Creative Commons Group was set up as a corollary to this blog to provide a resource for you to find gorgeous art that you can use for personal purposes. For free. It will include the creative commons images I post here on the blog and will also have additional photographs for you to peruse. The way it works is that I go out into the vast world of Flickr, find amazing photography, and invite the photographers to add their work.

And if you want to add your own photographs to share under a creative commons license, you can submit them to the queue for approval.

Make or Buy: Knitted Dish Towels

2009-10-19T08:00:00.000-04:00

I've got just three words for you: cozy, practical, beautiful.

I myself am leaning towards making them myself (tutorial here). There's something very satisfying about a simple knitting project that you can finish quickly and neatly and that will brighten your day every single day.

But if you're not a knitter, never fear. Check out these instead.

Set of 3 handmade dish towels, $12 from New Moon Crochet

handmade dishcloths, 3 for $10 (you choose the colors) from raggedyowl

Or if you're into something a bit brighter, how about these:

4 crocheted cotton washcloths, $14 from sunshinegrovefarm

each image links to its original location.

Special Weekend Update: Free Just Because Cards

2009-10-17T08:00:00.000-04:00

I usually don't post here on a weekend, but because of hiatus week I just had to get this one in before it's too late. I hope y'all are still checking in with me so you'll see this post because I just love this idea.

I mean, a free card AND doing something nice for someone? It doesn't get better. The deal is this:

In honor of her mother, whose birthday was October 19th, Liz of Linda & Harriett is giving away note cards in exchange for a promise to send those cards to someone, anyway, just because. You can find the details here, but act fast because you have to email Liz by noon EST on Monday, October 19th.

Hiatus Week

2009-10-12T08:00:00.003-04:00

I hate to do this to you, loyal readers, but I need to take a one-week hiatus from Each Penny Pretty. I'll still be blogging over at Up Up, The Blog, where I write more sporadically. In the meantime, here are some links to keep you happy while I'm gone (those marked with ** are pictured above):

For Monday: printable fox garland from indie fixx ** | poppy boutonniere tutorial from grosgrain
For Tuesday: business cards, a set (on flickr) ** | great pdf sewing patterns from jenna lou designs (i love the Mabel Messenger)
For Wednesday: beautiful "many thanks" card for download from heysusy | Paul Thurlby illustration
For Thursday: new e-book about living a minimalist life from zen habits | doilies to dye for from casa sugar
For Friday: knit big (bizarre furniture from freshhome.com) | window-film window coverings from not martha **

Inspiration: Blue Bedroom

2009-10-08T08:00:00.000-04:00

I love everything about this bedroom. I want this bedroom to be my bedroom. I found the link here, but Leya doesn't seem to have an original source for it, at least not that I could find. But seriously: look at the blinds, the crown molding, the soothing wall color, the totally freaking gorgeous quilt, and that excellent little writing desk? Swoon.

Man am I in love.

DIY: Indoor Windowbox

2009-10-07T08:00:00.000-04:00

{ from kalani kordus' photostream }

The coolest way I've yet seen to bring a little outdoors inside: an indoor windowbox made from an aluminum gutter. Total genius. The instructions are available here. Scroll through the comments, too, for more information and tips.

Creative Commons

2009-10-06T08:00:00.000-04:00

1. Summer still life
2. Deliveries Ring Bell, and Bell
3. Day 39 - A cup of tea at lunch
4. Red Chair Seven

The Each Penny Pretty Creative Commons Group was set up as a corollary to this blog to provide a resource for you to find gorgeous art that you can use for personal purposes. For free. It will include the creative commons images I post here on the blog and will also have additional photographs for you to peruse. The way it works is that I go out into the vast world of Flickr, find amazing photography, and invite the photographers to add their work.

And if you want to add your own photographs to share under a creative commons license, you can submit them to the queue for approval.

Hundreds for Twenty

2009-10-05T08:00:00.001-04:00

All these and more, just $20 for a 10" by 8" print, at 20X200. I chose art but there is lots of photography available, too. Check out these five fine pieces and all the others here.

each image links to its original location. images shown are by:

1 Mike Monteiro
2 Lisa Congdon
3 Gary Petersen
4 Lisa Congdon
5 Tamara Thomsen

Weekend Read: Altered Paper Jewelry

2009-10-02T08:00:00.000-04:00

Dear Readers,

Do you have a scrap box filled with tiny bits of beautiful papers that you can't bear to throw out? Yes, I do too. This is nothing to be ashamed of. It is nothing to be scorned. Instead, it is the perfect resource for our next title.

Altered Paper Jewelry by Jenn Mason (find her blog here) is a gorgeous collection of step-by-step jewelry projects that feel totally fresh, easy, and wearable. Using maps, handmade papers, scraps, glitter, sparkly baubles and beads, she crafts earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings that show off the world's loveliest papers. Each piece has a distinct mood and feels like it would make the perfect gift for someone, especially if you use papers with sentimental value.

The book walks beginners through jewelry basics like opening and closing jump rings, using crimp beads, and creating simple wire loops. Each project features an unexpected twist, either featuring unusual materials (vintage tickets, paper clay, and fabric paper) or reworking common papers to give them an entirely new texture. Browse through in the store and you'll be hooked, racing home to pull out your papers, and start playing.

Projects include: the Shrink Plastic Ring, Gorgeous Geisha Acrylic Collage Pendant, Rose-Colored Reading Glasses, and a Vintage Postage Stamp Necklace.

Enjoy!

Heidi

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Free Fall Wallpaper

2009-10-01T08:00:00.000-04:00

Just in time for fall (in the northern hemisphere, anyway) I found some lovely autumn-inspired desktop wallpaper from Push Me Pull You Designs. Click on the image above or go here for the original image.

image links to its original location.

PAPER TRAILS - Best of Etsy : Personalized Stationery

2009-09-30T08:00:00.003-04:00

Hey y'all!

This week I'm starting a regular feature called "Best of Etsy" where I troll the endless search results of a particular tag and show you my best finds. Someone's got to do the dirty work!

Enjoy!!

After months of (seemingly endless!) preparation I've finally made the big move from the US to the UK. Leaving behind so many friends and family members has brought up thoughts of how many letters I'll be writing, so stationery is even more on my brain than usual! While perusing Etsy's paper goods I thought of how fun it would be to have my very own personalized stationery (I can't believe I've never had any!!) and so! I did it! I looked at all the personalized stationery on Etsy!! Here are my favorites :

Personalized Bicycle Cards by Farouche - $25 for 20

Opulent Damask Personalized Notecards by Pink Lily Press - $17.50 for 10

Personalized Folded Note Cards - Flash Card Style by Sarah + Abraham - $25 for 16

Personalized Gocco Screenprinted Scrabble Notes by Heather Jeany - $12 for 8

Just Dandy Stationery by Saddle Stitch Studio - $20 for 12

Personalized Flat Notes - Twin Peacocks in Chocolate and Curry by Michelle Brusegaard - $17.50 for 10

Blind Impression Simple Custom Letterpress Notecard Set by Simplesong - $27 for 15

Personalized Stationery Set by Up Up (EPP's very own Julie!!) - $11.50 for 8

Personalized Stationery, Whimsy by Rhetorical Printing - $16 for 12

Oh Garden Bow Custom Noteset by Pearl & Marmalade - $16 for 8

Now I'm just faced with DECISIONS! Which would you choose?

Creative Commons

2009-09-29T08:00:00.001-04:00

1. 2007104
2. yksityiskohta
3. Purple Spurt 36:365
4. Jeff, kneading the pasta dough

The Each Penny Pretty Creative Commons Group was set up as a corollary to this blog to provide a resource for you to find gorgeous art that you can use for personal purposes. For free. It will include the creative commons images I post here on the blog and will also have additional photographs for you to peruse. The way it works is that I go out into the vast world of Flickr, find amazing photography, and invite the photographers to add their work.

And if you want to add your own photographs to share under a creative commons license, you can submit them to the queue for approval.

Aptly Named: Fantasy Shades

2009-09-28T08:00:00.000-04:00

Every so often, okay once so far on Each Penny Pretty, I come across something I have to share even though it's not exactly affordable to anyone I actually know. I sat here awhile debating whether these shades from Melissa Borrell are swoon-worthy enough and whether posting them would be inspirational enough, and finally I decided I had to hit Publish on this one.

I don't know the price on the first one but the second one, at 36" wide, is $360. I know, I know.

each image links to its original location.

Weekend Read: Wallpaper Projects

2009-09-25T08:00:00.000-04:00

Editor's note: I did feature a few projects from this book in an earlier post. You should definitely go check it out, too.

Dear Readers,

Chronicle strikes again. Their books have the most delicious photographs, clever crafts, and lovely patterns. Derek Fagerstrom and Lauren Smith's new title from Chronicle, Wallpaper Projects, is another beautiful book from their arts and crafts department. The book includes the basics of wallpapering your walls, but also suggests oodles of ways to use wallpaper in unexpected ways. Cleverness abounds with wallpaper as envelope liners, pinwheels, window shades, and paperweights. One day I will own my own home and I will recklessly try DIY wallpaper projects on any surface that needs a little character. Until then, I will yearn for the day I can wallpaper the stair risers (that's the vertical space between the stairs) and add a splash of color underfoot--Wallpaper Projects shows off a beautiful fuschia print on the staircase that I adore! (It's not from the book, but there's an amazing example of this here.)

The book includes templates to save you some cutting and cursing. However, I must warn you that everyone in the book looks remarkably calm as they apply the wallpaper. This may cause you to curse when you realize you do not live in a Chronicle book, are not a Chronicle model and, hence, applying wallpaper is a wee bit tricky. Cursing is allowed though. So what if it's a bit tricky? It's beautiful and the possibilities are endless. Be brave and you shall be rewarded!

Enjoy!

Heidi

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Ruffle Wonderful

2009-09-24T08:00:00.000-04:00

Excellent tutorial spotted recently on Etsy's blog. You wouldn't believe the tutorials you can find over there.

image links to its original location.

Snapped: Exclusive Photo From Lucy Loves Photo

2009-09-23T08:00:00.001-04:00

{ to download the original size, click on the image above or the link at the end of this post. do not right click on the above image or you will only get the small version. }

We've had some great printables designed exclusively for us here at Each Penny Pretty. There was this amazing Erin Vale "Honeydew" List and this halloween stationery from our own EPP contributor Haley Dolan. If you haven't seen those, you should really go check them out.

But today we're starting something new and I'm super excited about it.

(insert drumroll here)

We've lined up some amazing photographers who have agreed to share an exclusive free photo download with EPP readers. These are people who sell their photographs and who have graciously given us access to one that we can print for ourselves and love forever. For free!

Starting off this series, which we hope will appear monthly, is Lucy from Lucy Loves Photo.

Lucy Loves Photo was started by a girl named Lucy who loves photography, art, and life! She was born and raised in Slovakia, moved to Vancouver at the age of 12, and currently lives in Spain. She is inspired by the beauty of the world, whether it be one flower, the vast blue sea or simply the lines of electricity wires! Lucy uses a digital camera to take her photos and uses post production techniques to get them to have the subdued retro-look. Although she prefers the flexibility of her digital tools, Lucy absolutely adores and takes inspiration from lomography, Holgas, and other vintage cameras. Some of her favourite things include reading, laughing, biking, dogs, singing, dancing, cooking, sleeping, playing guitar, swimming in large bodies of water, getting inspired by other artists and just generally having fun!

You can find Lucy's website here and her lovely etsy shop here.

{ just a sampling of the amazing prints available in lucy's shop }

So here's how it works. Click here for the original photo, which should print at approximately 8 by 8 inches. You can print it at home, but it's such a lovely photo I think it deserves the $2 or so it will cost you to have a print sent to you (try Target, Walmart, Shutterfly, etc.)

Creative Commons

2009-09-22T08:00:00.000-04:00

Today's creative commons collection is one part fall, one part spring. I'm just covering my hemispheric bases.

1. Baby blanket for Evangeline, 2. Mishmash, 3. sheets, 4. Spring comes at a price...

The Each Penny Pretty Creative Commons Group was set up as a corollary to this blog to provide a resource for you to find gorgeous art that you can use for personal purposes. For free. It will include the creative commons images I post here on the blog and will also have additional photographs for you to peruse. The way it works is that I go out into the vast world of Flickr, find amazing photography, and invite the photographers to add their work.

And if you want to add your own photographs to share under a creative commons license, you can submit them to the queue for approval.