everyday minerals: collection 2

Collection Two:

This time, I was inspired by Japanese design. I played around with soft fuzzy shapes and shadows that reflect the image of cherry blossoms. I left the overall aesthetic simple. I wanted a feeling of purity.

cereal london

London, I'm coming for you! This May. Let the countdown begin...

headspace

I live in my head. 
I live in my body.
They are always with me.
And yet, they are strangers.
I'm getting to know them.
Their patterns. Their shortcomings. Their strengths.
So strange that they feel so disconnected, and yet so intertwined.
Who is this observer that steps in to get to know them?
I can't truly tell you how it works. 
These parts and pieces that make up what we call a person.
They are one.
They are separate.
They are me.

under the microscope

There is a little corner in my house where the light is just so. I've set it up with a makeshift. Every time I come across something beautiful, I can't help but take it up to my little laboratory. I study its intricacies, its design -- whether natural or manmade. I play around with the way the light hits it. The two dance together, accentuating each other's beauty. There is so much unspoken. I fall in love with the utter simplicity. 

object

Shortly after getting settled in this house, we turned one wall of our bedroom into a giant bookshelf. It has become a place for me to keep some of my most treasured belongings. Yes, the books we've read - and want to read - but also the many independent magazines I've collected over the years as well as hats, jewelry, candles, and more. It's a wall of material things.

While I really don't consider myself a materialistic person, I will admit to being a collector. Does that sound like a contradiction? At the core it is. But what I have gathered and placed on those shelves are so much more than material objects.

These beautiful independent magazines, laden with captivating imagery and words that challenge my perspective, are eyes into other people's worlds that fill me with knowledge and inspiration. This bag, it was a birthday gift from my brother who hand-picked the leather and had it made especially for me. They are objects floating in a cloud of sentiments. 

So, give me a moment. I would like to challenge the definition of materialism. For me, materialistic is not someone who places value in material objects; rather, materialistic is someone who places value in meaningless objects. A diamond given to you by someone you love has emotional worth. A diamond you had to have to impress your friends, that's emptiness.

What I'm saying is that it's ok to feel emotion towards a physical object so long as you understand why. So long as that reason is meaningful to you. Everyone has the freedom to be obsessed with what is truly beautiful, but we must also remember that beauty is different for each and every one of us. We all have our own definition. And we all have our right to love something without being labeled as materialistic.

-- 

Bag: Custom-made by Rita Sutormina

Magazine: The Collective Quarterly

megan + phil are getting married!

Numie Abbot is shooting engagement photos everyone. I never thought that I would be interested in the genre, but having done two engagement shoots & one wedding now, I've come to find that I really enjoy it. There is something so vulnerable about two people openly showing their love, and you, behind the lens capturing it. The bravery that the models have to feel. They have to let you in on their most intimate moments that normally only occur alone at home or out and about when they are one-on-one. The chance to capture it is an honor. Love really is the most beautiful thing on this earth.

That being said, my friend Megan is getting married to the sweetest dude, Phil. I'm so excited for these two lovebirds. I hope that they are happy forever and ever, and that their relationship continues to be strong,  supportive, and full of humor.

--

PS. If you're getting married and in search of engagement photos, come to me! I shoot cheap. ;)

november free people work

I've been a busy, busy bee, and well, it's been pretty silent on this here blog. In case you're not a Free People BLDG 25 regular, here is a little recap of my content in November. It's been a great month of inspiration, and playing around with photography. 

Hope you enjoy!

DIY Woven Pillow

A pillowcase woven with yarn and roving to add some living room flavor.

The Spirit Your Mini Bar Is Missing

Mouthwatering holiday cocktails with Art In The Age spirits.

Go Deskside With Our Graphic Design Team

A look into the creative work lives of Free People's graphic designers.

3 Lessons In Forgiveness

A personal story of forgiveness and what I learned from the experience.

diy nature-inspired gift wrap

Note: This post was previously published here as a part of my freelance work.

Years fly by. We talk about them as if they last forever, but in reality they are mere dots on a timeline. Thank goodness for holidays that mark a point in the year, for without them, we might not take a moment to stop and realize where we are. 

Where are we? First and foremost, we’re surrounded by people who support us each and everyday. Friends and family who allow us to stretch beyond ourselves to achieve something better, who support our dreams, and who are there when we need a shoulder to cry on. 

That is why I love this time of year. It’s a time to say thank you. Thank you for being my support and thank you for loving me. 

When you go to package up that gift of thanks, let it reflect all the love and gratitude that you truly feel. Pick something special that shows thoughtfulness, make something with your own two hands, and don’t forget about the presentation of the package. Go a little extra mile with the gift wrap and make that gift scream I love you. 

Here are three gift wrap ideas to get you started, each inspired by my favorite, Mother Nature.

Gift 1

Materials

Small Pine Cone

Gold Acrylic Paint

White Wrapping Paper

Paint Brush

Water Cup + Water

Paint Dish

Gorilla Glue

Tape

Directions

1. Paint your pine cone gold by adding acrylic paint to the tips of each little “leaf.” Let dry.

2. Wrap your gift in white paper.

3. Glue pine cone to the center of the package.

Gift 2

Materials

1/2 Lemon

Brown Kraft Wrapping Paper

Red Acrylic Paint

Paint Brush

Water Cup + Water

Paint Dish

Ribbon of choice

Tape

Directions

1. For this one, you essentially create a stamp out of the lemon. Paint it with the red paint and test it a few times on a scrap piece of paper until you realize the sweet spot of how much paint and how much pressure you need to apply. 

2. Once you have it down, tape the piece of wrapping paper to your surface and stamp alternating rows. Let dry.

3. Wrap your gift. Finish with ribbon.

Gift 3

Materials

Roving

White Wrapping Paper

Feather

Tape

Directions

1. Wrap your gift first with paper.

2. Wrap roving around the gift to cover approximately 1/3. Secure both ends of the roving with clear tape on the back of your gift.

3. Finish off by sliding a feather into the roving.