Blog it Forward

This month, Wayfair is challenging bloggers to Blog it Forward.  Especially with all the unhappy things going on lately, I'm totally on board for spreading a bit of cheer!

Yesterday, I saw a news story about an 8 year old girl who lost her family in a fire in 2013.  Safyre suffered burns to most of her body as well, but she survived miraculously.  Despite her injuries and circumstances, this little girl, according to her aunt "wakes every morning with a smile on her face. She is the true definition of hope, faith and love."  If that isn't inspiring, I don't know what is!

This Christmas, Safyre told her aunt that she wanted to completely fill up a 4' tall card tree that her aunt had purchased.  Challenge accepted, Safyre!  After posting her wish to Facebook, Safyre's aunt has been overwhelmed by the response.  What better way to Blog it Forward than to put a smile on the face of a little girl.  The holiday cards that I had on hand seemed oddly appropriate, quoting Oscar Wilde "What is beautiful is a joy for all seasons..."

Right before I popped it in the mail, I thought about what might make an 8 year old smile.  I addressed it with a gold pen, and grabbed out my colored pencils to put a very quick doodle (don't judge- it's for a child...) on the envelope.  Then I added Daisy and Charlie's names to the inside of card "Meow."

If you'd like to send Safyre a Christmas card, here's the address: Safyre, P.O. Box 6126,  Schenectady NY 12306

There are so many other ways that you can share the love and hope this holiday season!  What about paying for a stranger's coffee, shoveling a neighbor's driveway or simply holding a door open with a smile? With so many people stressed out and rushing around, you'll be surprised by what a seemingly simple act of kindness can do.

If you are also a blogger there's an extra special way that you can pay it forward as well: for each blogger in the month of December who posts about spreading cheer with the Wayfair Blog it Forward button above, Wayfair will donate $50 to Habitat for Humanity.  Win-win!

How do you plan to spread a bit of cheer this holiday season?

DIY Crepe Tassel Ornaments

While my Christmas decorating isn't quite done yet, the tree is set which makes me happy.  Few things set the tone for the season like the glow of a lit Christmas tree.  This year I wanted to add a little whimsy to the tree by making some crepe paper ornaments.

These are so easy to make and add a fun texture to the tree.

All you need is:

• crepe paper
• floral wire- 18 gauge
• floral tape
• scissors
• wire cutters

First you start with a strip of crepe paper about 2 inches wide.  For length, I cut them about as long as my arm.  You can make this longer or shorter if you want to make different thicknesses of tassels.  This is the hardest step.... are you ready?  Put the strip on the table and start bunching it together.  Use your fingers to pull the crepe paper toward your thumb, creating small, irregular pleats.

To attach it to the stem, use the 'gather and wrap' method... which is exactly what it sounds like.  Gather a pinch of the paper and put your stem into it.  Use one hand to hold the tassel and stem and use the other hand to gather another pinch of paper and wrap it around the stem.

Continue to "gather and wrap" until you reach the end of the paper.

Next, wrap your floral tape over the bottom pinch of the tassel where you see my fingers holding above.  Start at the bottom of the tassel and wind the floral tape at a slight diagonal, stretching it just a bit.  Wind it down from the tassel onto the stem a few inches.

Voila, you made a tassel!

To make this tassel into an ornament, use your wire cutters to trim the stem about an inch from the base of the tassel and fold it over.  This will give you a place to attach an ornament hook.

Attach ornament hooks and start decorating the tree!

After installing my floor to ceiling book shelve last year, the short, squatty, fake tree that I've had for years just felt out of proportion.  This year, when I stumbled on a 6' pencil thin tree, I knew it would be the perfect fit for the limited space in front of the book shelves.

The crepe paper ornaments add a touch of fun and "fluff" to the mostly neutral tree.  I'm actually tempted to make a mess of these ornaments and adorn a tree head to toe with them.  Like little jazzy snowflakes.

And because dancing ornament gifs make me smile, I'll leave you with the same image that started this post.  Happy weekend!

Free Ways to Find Inspiration

I've said it before and I'll say it again.  I am solar powered.  So when the days get shorter and colder, my natural inclination is to hibernate.  Hibernation is rarely a socially acceptable practice, so I generally force myself into finding inspiration and getting re-motivated in whatever ways I can. Here are some of my tried and true free ways to find inspiration:

• Go window shopping.  No need to buy things- stores can often be chock full of creative inspiration.  Color combinations you may not have thought of, beautiful patterns to ogle at, and awesome pieces that you don't need but just appreciate their existence!  Pop into a big chain store or even your local antique shop.  If you're looking for inspiration, there's always something interesting to see.

• Set a very specific goal and stick to it.  This works amazingly especially with larger projects and is a sure fire way to keep moving.  i.e. I need to have this room painted before family comes over for the holidays (even if no one will notice but you).  But Karen, how is that inspiration??  I don't know about you, but when I'm powering through a tedious task like painting a room or cleaning out the basement, that's when I get some of my best ideas.

•  Change your scenery.  If you stare at the same computer, on the same desk, in the same chair, looking at the same wall day in day out, a change of scenery will do your brain good.  Take your work to a coffee shop or even to another room.  Don't have the luxury to move your work?  Step away and take a walk.  Changing your literal views will immediately cause a shift in your mindset.

• While you're sitting in that coffee shop mentioned above (coffee optional since we're talking 'free' ways), why not meet up with a like-minded friend?  They'll understand your creative frustrations and road blocks, and may be able to share their own ideas and solutions.

• Borrow a book from the library.  Remember that place your mom took you to when you were little before you had the world of knowledge at your fingertips via smartphone 24/7?  It's still there and it's waiting for you!  Guess what- in addition to any physical book you could probably ever want, your local library most likely even has an e-catalog where you can borrow books for your e-reader and audiobooks that download right to your phone.  Get motivated, learn a new skill, or simply escape into a fantasy world.  My latest audiobook download?  Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert.  I'm ready for some inspiration!

• Listen to a podcast.  Need some recommendations?  Check out my podcast listing list from last week.  There's bound to be a podcast out there that will inspire you!

• Turn up the radio and DANCE!  Act like a dork.  Who cares if the cat thinks you've lost it.  Kick up your heels, let loose, and have fun!  It may not immediately provide you with an influx of inspiration, but you'll be happier.  When you're happier, you're in a better mindset.  When you're in a better mindset, you're more open to inspiration.  BAM, problem solved!

via giphy

How do you find inspiration when you're in a rut?