DIY Autumn Stamped Tote

This crazy simple DIY is actually quite similar to the stamped print t-shirt. It is insanely easy and it makes for a great project on those chilly Autumn days. 

The rubber stamps I am using were found at The Sun Was High, a craft supply Etsy shop ( I use Etsy for everything -ha). If you want to use the same ones for your tote, I am using the geometric set. They also carry a variety of other adorable designs. One that has really caught my eye is the kite stamp. Anyways, now that I am getting distracted, they are great little stamps and they worked really well for this DIY.

And if you want to know where to find your tote bag, I this one from In Druk Wekkend. It's 100% cotton and the acrylic paint goes onto it really smoothly.

1. You'll need rubber stamps, a tote bag, acrylic paint ( I used three colors) a paint brush and a pencil. 2. Lay out your stamps in the desired pattern. Be creative! I used geometric stamps to create woods and a cabin. 3. Draw a line with your pencil across the tote bag to use as a guide for an even print. Brush paint onto your stamp and begin printing the design. 4. If you chose to do a design similar to mine, use the paint brush to hand paint some trunks on the trees. 5. Voila! It's that easy! To answer some of the questions I had last time I printed with acrylic, yes it washes very well. When you first print the paint will dry very quickly with a bit of roughness to it. After a wash or two there should be nothing left but soft pigment. Acrylic wears great and lasts for many washes. 

Pursuit of Adventure

This past weekend I had the opportunity to spend some time with Jenna of A Beautiful Heart. After our little shoot, we made a desperate attempt at french macrons. Let me tell you, they aren't kidding when they say they are temperamental cookies. I could swear they have a mind of their own! Besides the fact that they took forever, our meringue wasn't peaking ( later to find out that the eggs had to be room tempature-ha)! We managed to make one or two decent(ish) cookies, while the rest sat on the cooling racks in crumbled little heaps- hahaha. Oh well, I can say this, I am determined to try them again sometime soon. Do any of you have an Mac making tips?

Lately I have just been obsessed over old movies. It's odd because when I was younger I could never stand them; the length, the seemingly endless amount of musical and dance numbers. But these days they are so entertaining to me. Something about seeing a time where women were ladies and men were gentlemen is so inspiring. Maybe it's a bit of an escape, as movies often are-ha. And of course, I couldn't help but notice, after watching a Fred Astaire movie last night, the women's dresses are simply to die for!  The frilly, girly, full frocks of tulle and chiffon can't be beat. I have a horrible weakness for 50's dresses. They are so gorgeous. I used to longingly wish that I lived in a time where I could pull of wearing things like that. These days, I think I've come to realize that it doesn't matter- I should just wear what I love ( as long as it it pleasing to God, that's number one) and not care what others think. That's the beauty of having a personal style blog. I get to share the things about style that I find beautiful. Anyways, now that I have preached for an hour, I'll get off my soapbox ;)

This cute little novelty print dress is from Nita. Can I say enough about this place? Gorgeous, custom made, affordable, adorable dresses! All of their clothes are custom made to your personal measurements- even the length is customizable! I am wearing the "Bow Me a Kiss" dress. The quality is great, and the fabric is just perfect for a Summer-to-fall transition. I adore the pretty details, like the red "piping" down the bodice and on the waistband. The dress is super comfortable and so fun to wear!

The super cute leather backpack is from Atitlan Leather. Walter, the shop owner, does truly beautiful work! It has so many different pockets, and the ones on the sides would be perfect for a cell phone. Another element that I really love is the drawstring opening. Not only does it look great, but it gives you extra security when you close the backpack, as well as the option to fit larger items inside. If you are interested in picking up a new backpack for hikes, school or simply as an accessory, click here to check it out!

Dress: c/o Nita

Backpack: c/o Atitlan Leather

Ring: c/o Letters Earring

Sweater & tights: old

Belt: Charlotte Russe

Headband: handmade

Shoes: Ebay

Scarf: Forever 21

Photo Credits: Jenna C

Under the Olive Tree

I'll admit, I was getting a little overwhelmed with the amount of brown in my pictures lately, so I decided a location with a little more green would be a refreshing change. I love how this shoot ended up with a Tuscan feel to it- I think it really captures where I live.

I have some great news this week as well. I finally buckled down and drew up two designs for the ModCloth Make the Cut Contest. Well, guess what? Both of them are finalists! I would appreciate it SO very much if you would take the time to vote for them. You can find them here & here.

Also, I just found out today that I was featured on the ModCloth blog, Story. Click here to check it out!

My Avonlea

This cute little plaid piece is actually a jumper that I wore as a skirt. I found it at Alison's lovely shop, My Avonlea. I love this shop because the clothes are beautiful and the pictures are always so lovely! There's nothing like beautiful pictures to show off beautiful vintage. Alison started the shop to make her dream of being a stay at home mother and wife a reality. Today she and her family spend their time going on grand vintage treasure hunts for the store! "I consider us a vintage archaeologist family, " says Alison. Doesn't that just sound like so much fun?

Cats & Crickets

I have been looking for a simple white bow blouse forever now. They seem so hard to come by- yet I see them online all of the time! This lovely little beauty comes from Cats & Crickets. There are some adorable things in this store right now- including a wool skirt, and a pair of shoes that I particularly have my eye on. And there is another blouse in pink, similar to the one I am wearing among tons of other pretty things. If you stop by, be sure and look through all of the pages, because you don't want to miss any of it!

I am seriously considering the opening of an online vintage shop. I love finding and reviewing them ( as you all are aware- hehe) and I know I would love to run one of my own. I just have to iron out some details and I think I may just get started on that. Do any of you have vintage shop running advice you want to share?

Jumper (worn as a skirt): c/o My Avonlea

Blouse: c/o Cats & Crickets

Belt: Forever 21

Hat: Wet Seal

Purse: Old

Shoes: Walmart

Smart Like an Owl

This week seems like it's been so long! I don't really know why. I guess sometimes life just works that way. I didn't manage to post this weekend, which really makes it seem like it's been a while since I've shared on here- ha, weirdness.

This little beauty of a skirt was sent to me from Liza Radley's Vintage, a quaint little vintage shop. I'm serious, there are some insanely adorable pieces in there right now, and they are priced very reasonably. If you like the skirt I am wearing, Megan has two other similar plaid beauties that are priced at $12 a piece! Plus your shipment arrives from Ireland, which I just think is really awesome- he he.

This skirt is actually the first wool garment I have owned, and I love it! It is so warm and cozy, I just know it will make an excellent Fall/Winter staple. Plus the colors are amazing, I am in love with them!

Isn't he cute? Can you guess "hoo" I am talking about? This little owl ring was something I picked up at the 99 cent store about two years ago ( wow, has it been that long already)? I thought his eyes matched well with the outfit, so I brought him along for the pictures.

You know, it just occurred to me that my nails look sort of like claws in that last picture- haha. Oh well, sort of freaky, but never the less I liked the way the fence looked with the flowers.

I'm so confused about what I should do with my hair. I do love the idea of the bob, but I am torn between losing my beloved pixie cut, and just the dread of growing one out. I don't know how long it's going to take, and the stages of hair growth from a pixie can be so awful. Either way, I have to decide soon, because it is getting horribly long, and if I'm going to keep it short, it is desperate need of a trim.

Blouse: Thrifted

Skirt: c/o Liza Radley Vintage

Tights & Ring: 99 cent store

Shoes: Payless

Headband: Icing

Oh yes! I nearly forgot, Into the Woods is now on Facebook! If you would stop by and give it a like, I would greatly appreciate it! 

All the King's Horses

This sweet little dress is from Felix & Minerva. One of the best things about Marianda and Alexandra's shop is that it is always stocked with a ton of one of a kind vintage pieces! They really do have something of everything, ( especially the adorable shoes and accessories). And everything is very reasonably priced. Definitely the perfect Etsy shop to start building a vintage wardrobe!

I thought this dress was just so perfect for Autumn! The soft brown floral pattern is just right, and the short sleeves + cotton make it the perfect transitional dress. Oh yes! And pockets ( hehe). I really need to do something about my pocket obsession.

I've been wanting to shoot pictures here all Summer, and we finally managed to fit it in! This is actually an old abandoned cross country track. It's crazy because the property is huge, so I am hoping to shoot here again soon ( there are still lots of photo spots to explore there). It was almost perfect, with the exception of the red ant population- yikes! And if those things bite- eee, yeah, no thank you!

Lately I have really been enjoying music more. I'm always listening to Tessa Rose Jackson or a Fine Frenzy! I love songs like All the King's Horses, Winter Night, Bird of the Summer, Blow Away, etc. That kind of music just makes me happy- probably because it is so upbeat. It always makes me want to pick up and go on road trip.

Thank you all for the kind words on my last blog post! You are all so sweet and I'm really glad that you enjoyed the video!

Dress: c/o Felix & Minerva

Tights: Burlington Coat Factory

Hat: Wet Seal

Rings: c/o Letters Earrings

Earrings: gift

Necklace: Forever 21

By the way, there's a new post over at Beautiful in God's Eyes! I really hope that you all will take the time to check this one out, there's a message that I think we all need to hear, especially dealing with the blogosphere.