Sunday Crafternoon

A few weeks ago I hosted a "Crafternoon" party, which was basically an excuse to drink coffee, eat treats, and make all of the things from Pinterest we'd all been pining over. It was quite possibly the best way to spend a Sunday afternoon--I can't wait to host another. I made this book wreath from an old Webster's Dictionary my roommate had on hand (find the tutorial here, I found it on Pinterest) and I really love the way it turned out! I want to make more for Christmas gifts. Wreaths like this sell on Etsy for up to $100, and it literally cost me $1 to make--all I had to buy was the wreath frame from the Dollar Store. And it is so easy. See the link for more details on the process! 

My roommate made this adorable string of lights from Dixie Cups & the dictionary pages--we're both English majors, which may explain our craft choices...

One of my friends made a heart banner out of paint samples to hang in her kitchen--so adorable. 

Reindeer Peanut Butter Cookies, also found via Pinterest! Find the recipe here or just make your favorite PB cookie recipe and add the accessories. I was dying over how cute/awkward my reindeer were. 

Do you have things pinned that you've just been waiting to try? Gather your friends and do them all in the company of loved ones--just don't forget the coffee, sugar, and Christmas music. Happy crafting! 

style and talent

I had my first experience taking band photos last week for my good friend's indie/folk band Roosevelt. I've never done group photos before so I was a bit nervous, but considering they are all my friends and they were paying me in peppermint mochas, there wasn't too much pressure. We bopped around downtown in the freezing cold & it ended up being really fun! I'm pretty happy with how they turned out. How stylish are all of them? so spiffy. and nice, and talented. Find their Facebook here if you'd like to listen! 

If you've taken band/family photos before, do you have any tips on making them original/not cheesy?

Thanksgiving Details

(Huckleberry Finn staring longingly at the turkey)

In true Charity form, I got too excited about taking photos of food and forgot to take photos of people--my b. I just can't help myself. Not to mention we had a TON of food just begging to be photographed. And lots of champagne begging to be drank. And too much pie to eat, as if we weren't already all stuffed. 

Luckily my uncle took a few photos, so I snagged this last one from him. We had a wonderful evening full of family, food, catching up, board games, and more food. It's been a difficult year for our family in a lot of ways but there is always, always so much to be thankful for. And always more pie to eat. 

I hope those of you who celebrate it had a perfect Thanksgiving! Now we're moving full speed ahead into Christmas--but more importantly, my 21st birthday. Just sayin'. 

giving thanks

Today, and always, I am thankful for:

- a God who never gives up. 

- my family, who is behind me in everything, who eats, drinks, and laughs together, who supports my college career both  financially and emotionally, who pushes me creatively, and who I always have a home with.

- my amazing community in Bellingham; and how much my city embraces art, music, and creativity in general

- the chance to have an education in a subject I'm passionate about

- a boyfriend, 3 roommates, and friends who love me

- the basics: shelter, food, and clean water

- the many outlets available to me, including this blog, where I get to be creative and do what makes me happy. 

- my puppy and his unconditional  love. 

- and so much more. 

I hope you all get to spend time with your loved ones today and appreciate all you have. We are the luckiest. 

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. 

Colossions 2:6-7

garden and sea etsy

In this post I mentioned that my roommate Angela made the yellow scarf I was wearing & I got a lot of comments about said scarf. Luckily, there's more where that came from! Angela has an Etsy shop full of beautiful, cozy, warm crochet accessories that are perfect for the cold weather approaching. I love everything in her shop and am really excited about sharing some photos we took recently showcasing her newest additions! Seriously, everything is soft and pretty. Great for Christmas gifts, whether for loved ones or just yourself. Here are some of my favorites from the day's photos, along with their listings:

infinity scarf in forest green

cowl in pumpkin orange

 over-sized bow headband in gray

 bow headband in hot pink

scarf in cream (one of my favorites!)

 ear warmer in pumpkin orange w/ oatmeal bow

coffee cozy in brown w/ mustard yellow bow

We had a lot of fun taking photos and throwing scarves/headbands on and off--we got a few strange looks from the many wanderers this path houses, but I think they were just curious as to why I was being photographed pretending to drink coffee (none of those shots turned out on account of my horrible acting skills). Anyway, her shop garden and sea has tons more accessories waiting, go show her some love! You can also find her blog here.

+ If you buy any items, I would love to see how you style them! xoxo.

thrifted finds and a statement nail

vintage posters, $5 each

vintage blazer (thick and warm!), $8

pretty white dress for my 21st birthday, $10

green cotton skirt, $6

Last week's thrifting finds (I am so excited about that dress) and nails. I know the heart is so simple but it made me happy every time I looked down at it, so it's good enough for me. I will keep this short because it is 9pm on a Sunday night and I have a mound of class work to do in the next 12 hours, but I have lots to share this week! Hope you all had either fun or restful weekends--or both if you're lucky. xoxo!