Lately {8.10.15}

It's been a while since I just sat down and wrote.

Over the past week, I posted a project that I've been working on for awhile-- and I am so happy with it! It's interview/photo based, but actually more than a little mixed media in presentation. Check it out if you'd like! :)

Wednesday, I spent quality time among flowers with a good, good friend.  

Thursday and Friday were spent with random + lovely individuals, serving some of the world's greatest leaders (beautiful accents and all), during which: I was perceived to be 17 (repeatedly), realized I'm not all that bad at interacting with people, and I learned a lot about leadership that I still need to process.  

Oh, and I spotted a guy with a Boba Fett tattoo on his leg (I wish I had a picture of that).

Clearly my head is really, really full at the moment (to have stuff like that^ leaking out). It's always strange coming back to Earth after wonderfully-unusual happenings. My reality is awesome, but it is hard. There are so many new, growing things happening, but even with good, good change, comes a long to do list.

At the end of July, I found a studio work space to rent, and by that, I mean that God dropped it squarely into my lap.  It could not be more perfect for me, or for the little business I am trying to grow. :)  I haven't posted much about it here, but I've been making handmade canvas bags and backpacks that will become an added element to my vintage stock. I'm still tweaking, but will probably start listing them for sale sometime in the next month.

So many good things, and so many thoughts. The real challenge of this season so far, is that it's required almost constant action from me-- uh, remember, I suck at that?  Well, apparently yours truly is being grown, and I can't say that I hate it.  

Action is, strangely, becoming my friend. :)

{twenty seven}

Life has felt so vivid and real lately. Maybe it's having three different birthday celebrations spread over one week, or perhaps it's the recent progress and clarity of vision I've experienced in the last couple of weeks.  Things are moving, sliding into place, and it is good. God, you are always so, so good.

When I use the words above to describe my recent life, I do not mean easy or simple or obvious.  I mean full of energy, action and life, which often means things are even more uncertain or risky. I've realized that's almost required for success and fullness of life, to step out in the line of fire.

I've been doing a good deal of that recently, so on Wednesday when I turned 27, I took to one of my favorite forested spots for a reminder of God's bigness-- that when I step into the line of fire, it's in his arms and not on my own merit (thank goodness).  Is there really anything like nature to put the size of our Creator into perspective?

{details}

Dress - handmade by Alfie Ruth

Lace Top - Everly via Modcloth

Necklace - handmade by Seven Finches

Sandals - Seychelles via Modcloth

Sketchbook - 3

I had to search back an embarrassing number of posts to find my last artwork update-- I've apparently only done it twice! Quite the grounds for some catch up.

When I was a student in Mrs. Lorenz's quite bohemian 7th grade Language Arts class, I was accused for the first time of having a future in creating. A handful of classmates, one by one would comment on a note (you know, the passing kind) or birthday card I had made someone, and exclaim something like, "you are going to make wedding invitations one day!" 

Nothing could have infuriated me more. 

All I could associate with that vocation at the time, was sitting at a desk, and being behind the scenes when all I wanted was to be on the stage. As ridiculous as that sounds now (clearly a person can do both) I was determined to not make paper goods one day-- despite my twelve year old self's forty five different hued Gelly Roll pens, paper collection and penchant for lettering. Ha.

But here I am, finally about to do just that-- or to at least begin something my middle school peers would probably pull a "told ya so" over: Of Dust and Wonder Studio.

Because it's been awhile, we really need to go back a ways. I think my drawing re-boot started with my SIL's baby shower tea, which I designed these invites for (personal info has been removed).

Then, in a flurry came some fliers for a volunteer event, and printable table cards for a friend's housewarming.  After that, I kind of just got back into a rhythm, and started making cards for friend's birthdays, doing design work for a couple friend's blogs, portraits and stationary.

Since, I've designed some simple stationary that's already for sale in my Etsy shop, and have begun creating samples for custom, lighthearted portraits.

I've still got quite a ways to go (I'm bubbling over with ideas), but I'm hopeful that I'm finally put those middle school drawing/lettering skills of mine to use. ;)

Until the next Sketchbook post, which hopefully is soon!

Stars and Staples

This is what I wore to church Sunday morning (I know, hindsight) but by the afternoon, we had quite a hot day on our hands.  I ended up stopping home and switching out my cotton skirt for some shorts, which was much better for the sweltering weather.  I couldn't help but be struck that both garments looked good with this blouse though, as it's kind of a hard one to coordinate-- which brought be to supreme appreciation for my wardrobe staples.

I'm a lover of novelty and unique pieces when it comes to clothing, but I've become better in recent years about gathering some staple pieces that can be worn with anything-- or just about.  This skirt and pair of shorts are definitely both in that category and go swimmingly with just about any color or pattern.  

Stars and Staples, I suppose that could be an aesthetic philosophy of its own. :)

Details

{blouse} - handmade by me with vintage polished cotton.

{shorts} - vintage 80's

{necklace} - inherited from my grandmother

{flats} - BCBG Max Azaria

Inner Child

Spring is inching closer, but I am, alas still in long sleeves and tights.  I know it'll pass, so I'm trying to embrace the cozy layering while I still need it.  Goodness knows I do, it snowed again last night.  50 degrees should be in effect by Friday though, yippee!

I've been surprised at myself for taking so long to do an outfit post with this dress, as it's one of my favorites.  I wear it year round, but the variety of rosy cheeked faces seem extra appropriate for Spring.  Which reminds me, I felt my nephew Gunnar kick for the first time on Saturday!  Spring '14 is going to bring with it life, joy and change, which yours truly is quite glad for.

Details

{dress} - Rusty Cuts

{sweater dress} - worn beneath, Asos

{tights} - Target

{boots} - handmade by me

Aunthood

I just realized today, that I havn't officially addressed an exciting event (or person really) that will be coming into my life in June: my first niece or nephew!!!

I'm obviously thrilled and have recently been looking at baby...everything in a much more  personal light.  I'm actually pretty familiar with that realm because of the years I have spent working as a nanny, still I have a feeling that Aunthood is going to feel a bit different!  In my excitement, I've been browsing baby items and thought I'd share some of my favorites so far!

1) A pair of vintage classic plaid and jean overalls.  If I have a nephew, he's going to be the coolest little dude ever.  I may even get him one of these when he's old enough! 

2) The perfect little vintage red gingham shirt.

3) Tiny handmade oxford style baby shoes, both spunky and dapper!  I think I might even try my hand at making a similar pair myself.  I also love the idea of the herringbone pair!

4) Handmade Stuffed lion, because we all have our first buddy.  I've actually purchased from this shop before and was very happy with the product!

1) A darling vintage dress and matching diaper cover, the duck detail is just so adorable.

2) Felt shoe pattern, it's really sweet and I love that I can make and customize them myself!

3) Rose headband, I've actually had my eye on this one for awhile!

4) Stuffed animal fox, from the same shop as the above lion.


I've been thoroughly blessed with the presence of children in my life the past couple of years, and now I'm so excited to have one in my family!  Do you have any little ones in your life?

2014 + Winter White

Welcome twenty-fourteen, you look swell!  I've had a couple rough days this week so the weather these past couple of days has felt like a hug from God.  I thought the first day of this year, full of beautiful snow, was quite perfect for donning winter white and wrapping myself in my surroundings.

I've met two South American foreign exchange students in the last year, and both reacted to snow with a wonder I find strangely absent from most of us local folks.  I don't think I could ever see or walk into falling snow without awe and a surge in my gut.  Like sunsets, waterfalls, thunder storms and many natural wonders, it's impossible to document with justice. Perhaps that's why I love it so-- that it's a thing of feeling, not seeing.

I forgot to mention in the last post, I got bangs a couple of weeks ago!  I know, weird.  I'm already planning to grow them out because frankly, they are too high maintenance for yours truly.  Enjoying them while they last!

Happy New Year!

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Details

{dress} - vintage 50's, thrifted

{cardigan} - vintage 50's, gift

{coat} - vintage 50's, thrifted

{tights} - ModCloth, gift

{necklace} - handmade, gift

{boots} - Fiorentini & Baker

{gloves} - vintage 40's, thrifted

Sketchbook - 2

I've quite neglected my idea of sharing my sketchbook now and then, but I truly need to!  I don't share it with many people so putting it here is a tiny step for me, though I know probably no one is actually reading this.  

I think that may be what makes me feel safe in posting it. :)

Here are some things I'm working on:

A kind stranger.

Words that ought to be painted.

Scratch paper happy accidents, this one reminds me of a fan.

First draft of the second in my trio of favorite lumberjacks. This one has an ox.

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In other news, I have started decorating for Christmas. :)

Last White Door

This is the last post I'll be making from this now familiar white door. 

Oh what a humble surprise it was when I first started shooting here-- it bored me to death, but shocked me by becoming more charming by the day.  The first day the vine bloomed I think I did a double take.  Quite funny really, this dull and dirty doorstep becoming lovely and special over time.  It feels so kindred to my story.

Well played God, I see what you did there.

For the record, my new home has a green door. :)

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{dress} - vintage 70's, Mother's

{sweater} - Obey

{tights} - Target

{shoes} - handmade by me

{necklace} - Mata Traders
{umbrella} - vintage, thrifted

Rust + Mint

My recent season of newness, color and growth is about to transition yet again.  It's a good thing I'm comfortable with change!

Specifically, my internship with the wonderful people at Mata Traders is about to come to an end-- so bittersweet, that.  In the three short months that I've been there, I have seen and learned so many new things, and proven my own capability (to myself) in more than one area. It's also been so cool getting to know the individuals whom I've worked alongside, the entire team at Mata is comprised of kind-hearted, fun and genuine people.

I'm also moving in...less than a week! It's not very far away, but I'm so excited because the apartment is in a tiny green Victorian house, very close to friends, the train and one of my favorite coffee shops.  Cheers to that!

{dress} - Mata Traders

{rust sweater} - Obey

{mint coat} - J.Crew

{knit tights} - Target

{boots} - Steve Madden

{necklace} -  Seven Finches