Friday Favorites: Poppy & Pinecone

I'm sharing some Etsy shop love with today's Friday Favorites!

First, a little family history:

I was born in New Jersey. My brother came down to South Carolina to attend the University of South Carolina for college. Years later, I followed in his footsteps and came down south as well to study at the same school. Coincidentally, my grandmother's family actually originated from Charleston, as my great great great great great great great {yes that many} grandfather was the first governor of the Carolinas when they were a colony. Crazy, huh?

My brother now lives in Georgia due to his career, while I still live in South Carolina. My parents are still living in New Jersey until they retire. So, needless to say, our close knit family lives miles from one another. We actually are able to see each other quite often, which I am incredibly grateful for. 

Each of these places, New Jersey, South Carolina, and Georgia, has shaped our lives in some important way. We have had good times, challenging times, amazing memories, and learned life lessons in all of these places. They all represent a journey we have taken together, even if we were miles apart in the moment. 

I discovered Poppy & Pinecone a while back and was just waiting for an occasion to order some lovely state prints. My parents will be receiving a collage of all three prints below for Easter, representing our family's continuing journey. 

New Jersey Love

South Carolina Love

Georgia Love

  

I knew how lovely these prints looked in the shop, but was so pleased at their amazingly beautiful quality when I received them in person. If you're looking for a unique gift for a friend, or piece of art for your own home, then check out Poppy & Pinecone! Your "state of mind" will thank you.

*As with all Friday Favorites posts: all products or services featured have been purchased with my own money and these are my own honest opinions.*

Project: Laptop Case

I'm currently going through a phase...
If I'm thinking about buying something, I immediately ask "could I make this myself?"
So when it was time for a new laptop case, I could answer pretty confidently that I could make a lovely one on my own.

I'm not going to lie, I went through a little bit of trial and error while constructing this project, but it was totally worth it. Constructing the case is similar to that of a zipper pouch you would use for cosmetics, but slightly more complicated as I wanted to make sure my laptop would fit securely inside the case without much shifting around. The challenge lies in creating dimensions that will not only keep the laptop from shifting, but also will allow enough room to easily get the laptop in and out of the case.

I ordered my fabric from drygoods design online. For the exterior I used: Chevron in Village Blue and Natural by Premier Prints (which is home decor weight) and for the interior I used: Free Spirit Solids Fabric in Cream. I added some padding to make it even more comfy and safe for my laptop, and also rounded the edges.

I thought the chevron was perfect for this project and I'm so happy with how it turned out, perfectly simple and cozy.

What are some of your favorite DIY projects for your gadgets?

Linking up to:

Mommy by Day Crafter by Night
Somewhat Simple
Blissful and Domestic
love notes by lauryn

Favoriteless Friday...

Another Friday, but this time we're without favorites.
I know, I miss them too...

Friday Favorites will have to take a brief hiatus this week as I'm trying to work on some great tutorials for you all!

In the meantime, I hope everyone has a happy and safe St. Patrick's Day tomorrow!
Make sure you wear your green!

Luckily for me, {since I am living in the South} my Mom sends me some good old fashioned Irish Soda Bread from New Jersey every year. {Thank goodness for an Irish Mother!} I'll be cooking traditional corned beef tomorrow, along with some potatoes and cabbage.

I hope you have some St. Patrick's Day traditions to enjoy as well!
I leave you with a traditional Irish Blessing, one that has always been special to me :

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Anthropologie Giveaway!

If you love Anthropologie raise your hand! 

I do too, which is why I've decided to give away a Gift Certificate valued at $25 to one lucky reader in celebration of 5,000 views!   

How to Enter:

Follow Kill Them With Craftiness= 1 Entry

Like on facebook= 1 Entry
Follow on twitter= 1 Entry

Subscribe via E-mail or Bloglovin= 1 Entry

Share this giveaway via facebook or twitter (leave a link or twitter handle)= 1 Entry

That is 5 possible entries per person! 

Please leave your e-mail in at least one of your entries so you can be contacted once the Giveaway has ended.

You can use this format: ktwcraftiness {at} gmail {dot} com

Leave a separate comment for each entry.  The lucky winner will be chosen via random.org
Giveaway ends March 26th at 11:59 pm EST. Please no entries after this day. 

Thanks to everyone who reads and visits my little blog.
You make me the happiest girl in the world. 

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED!***

Tutorial: Infinity Scarf

I love scarves and infinity scarves are my favorite style of all. 

This is a perfect low-maintenance accessory and pairs perfectly with a t-shirt and jeans!
This makes a perfect gift as well. 

Want to know how to make your own?

First, choose a lovely fabric. I suggest using a lightweight cotton, cotton voile, or jersey cotton knit.

You will need 2 yards of fabric, matching thread, pins, tailor's chalk, and your sewing machine. 

Cut two pieces of fabric:

This measurement will make a scarf that can be double-looped.

 Pin your fabric right sides together and make a mark with your tailor's chalk 3 inches from each end on both sides:

Sew the sides of the scarf: begin sewing at this 3-inch mark, and stop sewing at the 3-inch mark on the opposite end. Use the presser foot as your guide. Reinforce your stitches by back-stitching on each end as well.  

 After you have sewn the sides together, you will want to turn the scarf completely inside out.

Take the two inner short ends and pin together, right sides together, as shown.

Sew straight across the short end that has been pinned together, use the presser foot as your guide.

 You will now turn the scarf outside in. Match up the remaining short end as shown. Pin the last short end, right sides together, and sew.

 You will now turn the scarf inside out (for the final time I promise) through one of the openings that you will have from those un-stitched 3 inches on each side.

Sew the openings together on each side. You can use your sewing machine and stitch closely to the end of the fabric as shown above, or stitch the openings closed by hand.

Press your scarf with your iron and...

...enjoy!



{The fabric for the pink scarf is Annette Tatum's Boho Henna Pink and the fabric for the blue scarf is Valori Well's Bloom in Cobalt cotton voile.}


I am linking up to:
www.skiptomylou.org  
sarahndipities.blogspot.com 
craftomaniac.blogspot.com
mommybydaycrafterbynight.com
makingtheworldcuter.com
todayscreativeblog.net 

Friday Favorites: Spring Projects

Another Friday, more favorites...
This Friday I am featuring some favorite DIY lovelies for Spring...

Lace-Tipped Scarf

{Create your own lace-tipped scarf, a lovely addition to any spring wardrobe!}

Peony Wrap Around Labels

{Send some pretty mail with these beautiful downloadable labels}

DIY Anthropologie Scarf Flats

{Spruce up your flats for spring with this Anthropologie inspired tutorial}

Braided Bead Necklace

{Craft a braided bead necklace to pair with any lovely ensemble}

Pom Trim Scarf

{Pair this light and lovely DIY scarf with your favorite spring t-shirt!}

Hope you enjoy these incredible projects!

Which one has caught your eye?

Happy Crafting!

5 Simple Rules...

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1. Always say "I love you."

I had the unfortunate experience of watching a dear friend mourn the loss of his mother not too long ago. 
I was so taken back by this experience, seeing someone my age go through the loss of a parent. 
You simply cannot take the people you love, and the time spent with them, for granted. 

Always say "I love you," lay it all out on the table. 

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2. Share

Share your talent, share your time, share your thoughts; you are creative and you are special.

Share your resources, give back, pay it forward. 

Be kind to a stranger, do something special for a friend. 

You have a lot to offer the world. 

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3. Take Chances

Don't make the safe choice, make the brave choice. 

Do what makes you happy. 

You are never too old for a new dream or new journey.

Live a life of "oh well's" rather than "what if's."

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 4. Don't Procrastinate

How many times do we say, "I'll start tomorrow."

How many times does that "tomorrow" turn into 1 week, 1 month, 1 year?

If we took as many steps forward as we do making excuses, we would really be somewhere. 

Start today. 

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5. Be Yourself

You are lovely, you are you. 

Be a first rate version of yourself, it takes too much energy to be a second-rate version of someone else. 

Be confident. Take pride in your strengths. 

Embrace your flaws: they make you beautiful.

Project: Bow Clutches

Spring is peaking its' head around here in the South.
Even though I don't look forward to pollen and seasonal allergies, I do enjoy the accessories that accompany the season.
I love the day trips to Charleston and Charlotte, {I'm pretty much located between the two}, and thought a lovely little clutch would be perfect to bring on these spring adventures. 

So, I started to sew {and may have gotten a little carried away as usual.}

Gosh, how I love mustard yellow. Perfect color for every occasion. 

I love to repurpose when I can. Can you believe this chambray clutch was made from an oxford shirt? 

I am loving these! Perfect to carry all your odds and ends and pair with any outfit.

What is your favorite accessory for spring?

I am linking up to:

Mommy by Day Crafter by Night 

Fingerprints On The Fridge 

See Vanessa Craft 

Blissful and Domestic 

tatertots and jello
Love Notes by Lauryn 

Handmade Love: Mountain Mist

I may have just taken the best bath ever.
Seriously.

The Spring Craftsmen's Classic Art & Craft Festival is this weekend in Columbia, South Carolina. I love craft shows {not that this should come as any surprise...}
There is something so special about being surrounded by so much handmade goodness all at one time, in one space.
I love the booths with nostalgic items that have been around since I was little, as I grew up going to a million and one craft shows with my Mom and Nana. I also love the booths with unique items that I never knew I couldn't live without until I set my eyes upon them. And, I love the booths with a story and beautiful presentation.

Okay, so back to this wonderful soak...
Today I discovered Mountain Mist, out of Asheville, North Carolina.
{If you've never been to Asheville, then you're missing out... talk about beautiful.}
Their booth really caught my eye, with their lovely presentation and beautiful packaging.

 

Then, I got lost in the scents: clean, beautiful, feminine.
My favorites?: Amber Morning, Mango Sunset, Brown Sugar & Fig, and Passion.
{Even though I really love them all.}
The quality of their products sealed the deal.

How would I describe them? Soothing, gentle, and delicate; simply wonderful. I didn't even need a moisturizer on my very dry skin after soaking with one of their amazing bath bombs. This is the best my skin has ever felt after taking a bath, even with my skin's sensitivity. This is the quality I long for in skin care, that many companies and sellers fall short of.
Mountain Mist is the exception.

I guarantee you'll want to pretend you're Natalie Wood and burst out into your own rendition of "I Feel Pretty," once you've tried their amazing products. 

So if you're looking to treat yourself or someone else, I highly recommend checking out Mountain Mist and their wonderful line of products. It's a great way to incorporate handmade into your every day life. I am so glad I did, and my skin thanks me for it.

If you live in the Columbia, South Carolina area, tomorrow is the last day for the Craftsmen's Classic Art & Craft Festival, so head over and check out some wonderful booths and inspiring folks!

Friday Favorites: Groopdealz

Buying in the crafting world can be a bit overwhelming at times.
I love Etsy, but for folks who may be a bit newer to handmade goodness and have not yet established favorite shops and sellers, it can be a lot to take in.

That's why I love Groopdealz.

To be honest, I tripped, fell, and found Groopdealz. And I'm so glad I did.
Because of Groopdealz I was introduced to wonderful bloggers and etsians, such as Ashley from Little Miss Momma, Brittany from Love Stitched, among so many other lovely folks.

Not only that, but I was so inspired.
Inspired to create on my own. 
Inspired to blog.
Inspired that I could really do big things too.

So what is Groopdealz?
Groopdealz is a website that connects you with various sellers offering their products at a discounted price. Most deals offered run for approximately 24-48 hours. Although, some deals have limited quantities, so they may sell quicker than others. When you purchase your deal, the seller will ship directly to you. When you sign up on their e-mail list and follow them on facebook, you never miss out on hearing about a deal! One of the best things about Groopdealz is that they offer a variety of products from a variety of sellers, ranging from personal items, jewelry, supplies, for the home, etc.

Here are just a few of my favorite deals featured today: 

 

Monogrammed Wax Seal Pendant

 Ruffled Camera Strap

 Blossom Rosette Earrings

Groopdealz is so much more than getting a great deal. It's about finding sellers who you will come back to again and again. It's about buying homemade. It's about networking with wonderfully creative people. It's about finding inspiration and encouragement. 

So go and check out Groopdealz.com and find a deal that you love and a seller you'll stick with! 

 

*As with all Friday Favorites posts: all products or services featured have been purchased with my own money and these are my own honest opinions. I am not affiliated with mentioned companies or websites.*

Excuse me please!

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...and neither was my blog!

I feel like I'm slowly finding my way in the blogging world.

Being myself, and sharing it with others. 

Continuing to be inspired by the many creatively wonderful people there are out there.  

Trying to carve out my little place in it all. 

So, I hope you will excuse the current construction happening around here as I grow and learn.