Happy Rain Cloud

{source: miss make}

Mother nature has invoked a mysterious melancholia in me. For the past few days, my bones have ached and my eyes have been shut up in an early spring slumber. My hope is to be rid of my ailment by tomorrow's morn.

This darling tutorial was a serendipitous Pinterest discovery. It's the perfect reminder: life's not about waiting for the storms to pass...it's about learning to dance in the rain. Enjoy!

A Pretty Paper Bag.

{found via pinterest}

Oh my, my last few days have been filled with busy buzzing. I apologize for my week-long vacation...completely unintentional. I've been bombarded with work, studies, and preparing for my pop-up shop, & alas, my blogging ventures were put on hiatus.

Today, I'm back, though, & I want to share with you the progress I'm making with my pop-up shop prepartion!

Last night, I spent the evening watching episodes of Kirstie's Handmade Britain & prepping my packaging. I spent the night trimming 100 brown paper bags. Needless to say, my hand is sore.

Take a peak at this tutorial to learn more on how to make your own pretty paper bag.

Tinted Mason Jars

{found via say yes to hoboken}

Do you remember this post?? Well, I finally had the chance to make some of my very own apple butter on Sunday! It was so exciting! I used this recipe & it's delicious. I'm elated that I'll have it in my cupboard for the upcoming fall & winter months. 

I'll be returning to the farmer's market this weekend to pick up some more apples for more jamming! In the meantime, I'm perusing the web-o-sphere for another yummy apple butter recipe & a pretty packaging idea. {I want to give some jars as gifts for the holidays.}

So far, I love this recipe & this package. 

And...I love this tutorial about making your own tinted mason jars. Aren't they lovely??
I don't think you'd want to put food in them. Alas, they would be perfect for any shabby-chic or vintage-inspired space.
 

Pretty Little Things

{found via pinterest; source: shannon eileen}

Oh, the beautiful things in life. By far, my most favorite thing about gift-giving & gift-making is the presentation. I adore pretty gift wrapping! I'm beginning to prepare for the gifting season {both at my shop & at my home} & these lovely little packages are wonderful inspiration.

{click here for the complete pretty packaging tutorial}

In addition to revamping my packaging, I'm also participating in Apron Thrift Girl's Reseller's Listing Challenge. My goal is to list at least 5 new {vintage} gifts (including 1 handmade) into the Auction House & Trunk Show by the end of October. Wish me luck &, of course, I'll keep everyone updated on my progress...   

DIY Doily Lanterns

I'm absolutely in love with doilies, right now. They are the perfect feminine craft.

{Romantic. Delicate. Timeless.}

I've been scouring thrift stores & estate sales for these perfect vintage treasures. To my surprise, I've acquired quite a collection.

{I'm planning to make a sewing machine cover out of them.}

In the meantime, I thought I'd share this beautiful, doily lantern tutorial with you. It's one of my favorites. What are some of your favorite doily crafts??

I wear flowers in my hair.

Ever since I was a little girl, I've always wanted to wear a flower crown. They are so beautiful & whimsical.

I've found a couple of tutorials on how to make one. {here & here}

Now, I'm just wondering how can I wear it out in the real world. Any ideas?? 

{images 1, 2, & 3 found via weheartit & image 4 found via pinterest} 

Joie.

Over the weekend, I discovered Joie magazine while reading this article. It's a really cute online magazine that's dedicated to the art of joyful living.

{I'M FEELING SO INSPIRED.}

It's full of pretty art, fashion, & DIY crafts. {I found a tutorial on a beautiful, floral headband.} Go ahead & take a look. I'm sure you'll get inspired, too!

Jam.

Last summer, I learned how to make Apple Butter. It turned out delicious! This summer I received a steam canner for my birthday &, ever since, I've been perusing canning blogs (like this one & this one), collecting jam recipes (like this one & this one), & yearning to get out the canner. With the summer fruits tantalizing my taste buds, I hope to get a chance to do some canning soon!

{p.s. all photos were found via weheartit}