3 Things I Want to Make // Leather Details

Fall always feels like the right time to sort of straighten up and pull it together. After the lazy days of summer, I'm naturally craving some routine and organization- a refresh both in how I spend my days and here amongst the comforts of home. As I tidy up a bit and store away all remnants of summer fun, my mind is turning to incorporating a few leather details into several areas around the house. Today, I thought I'd share a few of the projects I'm kicking around that will help bring additional warmth and texture into our space.

Via Brittany Makes

I've been wanting to switch up our master for quite some time, maybe add in a comfy chair and ottoman. A mismatched leather ottoman will solve any concerns over space, or making the seating vignette overly matchy.

Via Chris Loves Julia

I'm planning out the Fall/Winter garden and with that will come some new plantings. Our garden labels need some sprucing up as well and these simple, beautiful labels by Chris Loves Julia would give our black garden pots some richness for the cooler months ahead.

Via Sofie Samuelson

Though I don't have a cart of this kind hanging around the house,  I've been looking to add one to the studio so that I can pull it about when I'm working on holiday projects (I still like to sit in front of the TV or at the kitchen table). I love that these simple little footings elevate even a basic, unfinished piece of furniture. They would also work the same magic on an unfinished table or set of chairs. 

3 Things I'd Like to Make // String Edition

It's funny how the projects I want to take on seem to take shape with the season. Right now, my mind is fixed on string crafts, using wooly yarns and fibers to create cozy details for the house and upcoming fetes. These inspired by projects are inexpensive, transformative and customizable. It's unlikely that any two would turn out the same.

A bomb of color puts a playful spin on the classic wall trophy. 

Have some spare antlers laying around the house? Try your hand at wrapping your own or why not just get your hands on the real deal with one of the original yarn bombed antlers made to order by Sarah Pellerino on Etsy.

These kicked up tie-backs are punchy and festive with tassels and bells.

Found in the home of Sarah Jane Clark of Sass & Bide as featured on Tales of Endearment

I love the impermanence of this installation. No holes in the brick wall, easily assembled for a quick splash of color at your next party and then quickly disassembled all the same. 

The complete how-to featured on Creative Bug.

3 {Playful} Things I Want to Make Right Now

I'm feeling particularly playful these days. Maybe it's all the time I've taken lately to relax and just soak up the summer sun each weekend instead of my usual go-go-go routine. But this new pattern has definitely become clear to me. I'm finding myself drawn to bold colors, games and objects clearly meant for fun. You know, it's also funny what a little downtime can do to get the creative juices flowing again. Going into the summer season, I was pretty spent and not feeling very inspired to make, nor write. But those inclinations are slowly percolating back to me and I thought I'd parlay the playful mood I'm in to share three very colorful, frivolous things I really want to make right now.

These DIY Drum Sets created by Elsie + Emma of A Beautiful Mess are the perfect play on color, fun and design. I'm thinking these would be the perfect make ahead holiday gift. 

Over the weekend, I picked up a handful of plastic animals at my local flea market. I think they are destined for these kitschy animal pin cushions found over at Small Good Things. 

I've had tassels, tassels, tassels on the brain of late and I can't think of a better plan than to pile a bunch of them onto a simple white pillow. I can picture pillows like these from Anthropologie propped up on my nieces' beds. I think I'll whip up a couple of my own.

3 Things I Want to Make Right Now // Summer Entertaining

How much fun are these color-blocked coasters made by Marcela at Marcelina? These would be a perfect accessory for our poolside bar this summer.

I thought this geometric table runner spotted over at Hank & Hunt was pretty genius and the pattern options are endless! Of course, I'd probably opt for my favorite triangle graphic and while I love it in black, I can also imagine this in an array of colorful hues at the summer buffet table.

Speaking of genius, Artist Ashley Walters created this textile art installment for Urban Outfitters. Justina Blakeney snapped a picture of it and it made it's way all over the internets, because well... it's just too good!  Though this was probably meant as a more permanent installment, I imagine it would make a curious and colorful photo backdrop for our next party. 

3 Things I Want To Make // Concrete Edition

I tend to get hung up on a material or project medium and when I do, anything and everything I see becomes doable with it. The Mister has labeled these phases my "little kicks". At the moment, I'm kicking around easy on the wallet projects made out of concrete.

Weekday Carnival // Concrete Table

This table top would be great for dinners outdoors - or I can even see it topping that potter's bench I'm intent on making out in the vegetable garden. Polished and sealed, it would hold up nicely to the elements and resist spills and stains. 

Monsterscircus // Concrete Votives

These gilded concrete candleholders made from food cartons would strike just the right balance of unfussy + fancy at our next summertime soiree. 

Martha Stewart // Hypertufa Planters

I always like to put a handmade touch on a gift. What a perfectly thoughtful, yet inexpensive option this would make. I could see these working well as swag for wedding guests at a minimalist or rustic affair.