Fun Stuff • Weaving + Cat Poncho + Blog Life

This week was all about resetting after Re:Make last weekend.  I didn't do a lot of posting beside my daily drawings and really just spent a lot of time cleaning the apartment and organizing my thoughts around my shop.  Spring and Summer are really rough for a scarf business and I've been getting ready to expand my offerings again.  This time reaching back into a familiar wheelhouse that feels a lot more "me" than some of the other ventures I've tried lately.  It's felt pretty great, actually ^_^  But, I'll go into more detail about all that mess later.

Here's some fun stuff I found on the internet this week!

• I'm a little obsessed with peg boards right now and considering this one is comically large, it's pretty much perfection in my eyes.
• Rachel can do some magical things with alcohol inks.  These dyed candles that she shared on Poppytalk are super cute and make me want to try out those crazy inks.
• I've been loving the weavings that another Rachel (so many creative Rachels!) has been posting to instagram and I'm totally down with this super simple DIY to make your own loom.
• This DIY hanging mirror is so fun!  I would paint it pink. 

• This collar is literally perfection.
• Everyone needs to own a neon pink translucent bow.  Especially me.  
• This is a cat poncho.  A CAT PONCHO!!!  So good!
• Speaking of Rachel (the first one haha!), she's opened an Etsy shop and I adore her painted wood necklaces.

• The folks from A Beautiful Mess have been on a roll this week.  I've been devouring their new Blog Life e-course.  I got their Blog Love e-course about a year ago and it really helped me get this blog together when I decided to get a little more serious with it.  Now all the advice in the new one is really made to take your little space on the internet to a whole new level.  
• One of their writers also shared a really great post about prime lenses and focal lengths.  If you take photos of anything at all, this post is really helpful.
• This 2014 company guide for Nintendo is absolutely gorgeous.  I love the history and styling of their early products.  They started out making playing cards!
• I love this piece about why Brooke Birmingham refused to put a shirt on for Shape magazine.  I was so sucked in to this story.  I cannot tell you how proud I am of women who really speak out against beauty standards.

• I'm always drawn to bright and airy spaces.  And mid-century everything.  So this dining room looks like heaven.  It could use a little more pink, though :P
• OMG how cute is this couch?!
• Decorating a bathroom with thrift store beach and ocean scene painting is such a cool idea.
• I can't believe how gorgeous this mirror is.

ON THE PINK SAMURAI THIS WEEK...

Again, I really just posted some daily holidays this week. There were some really great ones!

• Star Wars Day
• Cinco de Mayo
• World Asthma Day
• Tourism Day
• Coconut Cream Pie Day
• Lost Sock Memorial Day
• Belly Dance Day

And, as always, if you kind of loved this post be sure to check out the others in this series.  I promise there's lots of pink and cats.

Fun Stuff • Embroidery Genius + Space Shirts + Scallops

This week was full of making and planning for Re:Make, again.  That and our new little kitten Mooch, who we just rescued as a feral in our neighborhood, have been keeping me extra busy this week!  I'll definitely share more about Mooch's store here, but until then, you can see some pictures of the little girl on my Instagram.

Here's some stuff I found on the internet between juggling yarn and kittens!

• I'm all about super easy DIYs and these 5 minute, no-sew pillow covers are just that.
• Jenny Hart shared her genius way of organizing and displaying her embroidery floss this week.  Seriously...genius!
• I love everything that Twinkie Chan does and these crocheted chocolate bunnies are no exception.  
• Cat crafts!  I love the cat pillow that Rachel shared this week.  I've been working up a pattern of my own and I really like the retro feel of her design.

• I found this dress from this post and I neeeeeed it in my life.
• Andy and I have been loving the new Cosmos show and this would be the perfect shirt to wear while watching it.  If you get cold, there's a sweatshirt, too.  I love space!
• I'm pretty sure this bag sells out instantly every time it's restocked.  But, some day it will be mine.
• Oh my gosh, these earrings are Turks!

• Non-Creepy Networking.  Being an awkward turtle most of the time at meet ups and events, I love this advice from Jessica Hische.  
• I thought this piece by Elizabeth of Delightfully Tacky was really great.  I'm so inspired by all the folks speaking out against beauty norms.
• In case you wanted to waste some time, take the "Which Quentin Tarantino Movie Are You" quiz on Buzzfeed.  I got Kill Bill and couldn't be happier!  Vol. 1 & 2 are both in my top 5 favorite movies of all time ^_^
• Kat is my hero.

• How amazing is this custom scalloped range hood? 
• These geometric shelves remind me a lot of this DIY from ABM.  PS: I totally have those exact DIY shelves in my garage right now!  Seriously...I bought them from Joshua Rhodes on instagram ^_^
• Amy Merrick shared this gorgeous photo on instagram and I love the idea of adding a cot beneath a window to make a cozy nook.
• Scalloped tiles forever!!!

FUN STUFF ON THE PINK SAMURAI THIS WEEK

• I shared photos of my ever-expanding kokeshi doll collection.  
• I got to kick off CraftyPod's blog hop with some DIY cat coasters.
• These DIY embroidered canvases are super quick to make and the technique is really versatile.
• Eep!  I've partnered with Mister Dressup to feature some Popcorn Cats on a shirt!
• These week's Happy Days were: Scrabble Day, Reach As High As You Can Day, McDonald's Day, Stress Awareness Day, Bat Appreciation Day, Velociraptor Awareness Day, and Record Store Day.

If you love cats and other fun stuff, check out more articles like this one!

Fun Stuff • Galaxy Wall + Popcorn Cats + Singer Rocketeer

Hooray for this week!  It's been a productive week over here as I gear up for Re:Make.  There's yarn and fabric everywhere.  The cats are loving it haha!

Here's some of the fun stuff that I found around the internet this week...

• This hand-painted galaxy wall is magical!
• More hand-painting.  This DIY floorcloth is a great way to hide and ugly floor temporarily.  Hooray for renter decorating!
• How About Orange shared how to make a decorative picture mat. This would be really cool with white frames, black and white images and fun bright color palette for the mats!
• I love these dip-dyed candle sticks.  I wonder how could get a really neon pink with them?

• Mister Dressup is selling my Popcorn Cats on a shirt!
• I need a Gipsy Danger shirt immediately.
• So, I'm kind of weirdo about showing toes, which can be difficult in the summer, but these sandals seem perfect.
• Dear Creatures pretty much just creates pure gold in dress form.

• So it's illegal to answer work emails after 6pm in France.  Where was that law when I was working a 9-5 (erm...8-7) job?!
• A Beautiful Mess just released an e-course about how to write and pitch a book proposal.  And it's only $8.  Yes and yes.
• I love reading about little slices of life from folks on the internet.  Katie's Currently feature is pretty cool and I might do one of my own!
• Bonney discussed choosing your words wisely on her pod-cast.  I think it's an incredibly profound commentary on our culture of communication. 

• I'm in love with these handmade animal totems from Handy Maiden.  They're all different and there's just something mystical about them.
• The colors in this kitchen are what dreams are made of.
• A vaulted ceiling is on our wishlist for our "someday home" and this one is a perfect example of why.
• I couldn't find the actual post related this photo, but I know it's from Retro Renovation from the watermark.  One of these gorgeous machines is for sale on Craigslist in Austin right now and it's taking all my restraint to not jump on it.

FUN STUFF ON THE PINK SAMURAI THIS WEEK

• We visited a Ren Fest and it was AWESOME!
• I debuted my last Impossible Scarf crochet pattern.
• I took a look back at March on the blog.
• There's still time to make a few Easter embroidery patterns before the big day.
• I visited Leighelena on South Congress and wanted to buy every piece of vintage clothing they had. 
• Woohoo!  I'll be selling all the scarves at Re:Make in May!
• This week's holidays were pretty great: Tartan Day, Beer Day, Empanada Day, Cherish an Antique Day, Sibling Day, 8-Track Tape Day, Grilled Cheese Day.

If you love cats and other fun stuff, check out more articles like this one!

Fun Stuff • How to Sew a Button + Another Cat Dress + Pink Cabinets

What a full week!  I hopped all around town getting ready for a fun new project, Turks spent a lot of time sleeping / wallowing in my lap while I worked and watched A LOT of Chuck while crocheting the last impossibly large scarf for the season.

Here's some of the fun stuff I found on the internet this week...

• Everyone needs a refresher on the basics every now and then.  Rachel over at The Crafted Life has a great pictorial piece on how to sew to a button.
• Annika's got a great video showing how to sew a circle skirt with no zipper.  So easy!
• I love this jewelry display made from copper piping and canvas rope.
• How great is this DIY art piece?!

• I've really been wanting to add more skirts to my wardrobe and this one is so perfect.  Scallops make everything cuter.
• Another cat dress in my wardrobe?  YES!  It'll be a miracle if I don't buy this before I finish writing this post.
• Black and white and hearts make everything better.
• I love the color and print of this dress.  It's so pink and fancy and Orla Kiely only makes the most fabulous things.

• I've been struggling with this spelling for SO LONG!  Loving this post about how to really spell mid-century/midcentury/mid century haha!  The comments are taking me straight back to freshmen English haha!
• 4 Tips for Pitching Retailers.  This article from Etsy is really great if you've got an indie shop are looking to expand.
• Nicole and Brady shared some beautiful photos of their trip to Indianapolis.  Looks like they found some really fun spots.
• This is the first I've heard of "Normcore" and it's just as baffling as any other fashion trend to me.

• Forget kids' rooms...I want all of Oh Joy's line for Land of Nod for myself!
• I know this product page is for the duvet, which is nice, but holy crap that bed!  Someone please tell me how to get this bed!
• Dangit DesignLoveFest.  Gimme that TV...and entire living room.
• How gorgeous is this pink medical cabinet?

ON THE PINK SAMURAI THIS WEEK!

• DIY embroidered cat tote bag.  Because I need more things with cats on them!
• I visited Olive in East Austin and found a great collection of vintage and indie stuff.
• I wanna know what your deal is! Take this reader survey and we can learn a little more about each other ^_^
• This week's holidays were: Doctors Day, Crayola Crayon Day, April Fools Day, Children's Book Day, World Party Day, Vitamin C Day, and Caramel Day.

If you're into it, check out more Fun Stuff articles here!

Fun Stuff • Pink Gator + Science Print + Scallops

This week, the bluebonnets showed up in Texas and the sun shone a bit more than it had in a long while.  Here at Helms Deep, we kept busy with projects and lots of drawing.  I got Turks a new cat toy that he's been totally obsessed with.  Like, jumping in the hair, catching it in his mouth obsessed.  You can see in the above photo that he's mad I took a break for a photo haha!  But other than that, it's been really chill.  I'm finally over that nasty cold and ready to get out again!

Here's some fun stuff I found online this week...

• I absolutely adore this bold, mid-century, comic book side table.  I used to make lots of things out of old comic books, and would love to make a couple of these with different themes.  Catwoman, Batman and a manga one!
• This is a really detailed piece about making a succulent garden in a pink alligator.  You had me at pink alligator.
• Speaking of pink!  Kat shared this project in her Thursday Treats this week and I loooove the neon dipped candles.  
• The technique used to make this glass is so unique!  I really want to make some in pink.  The black is cool, but it reminds me of the black ooze in X-Files and I'd rather not be possessed by an alien.

• I want to live in the fairy tale that is Ahoy Miss ^_^ Everything is pastel and pink and beautiful!
• The detail on these clogs is so beautiful.  I've never owned a pair of Hasbeens, but in an effort to embrace my Amazonian height and start wearing more heels, I think these would be a great first pair.
• How fun is the simple design of this fold-over clutch?  The makers used Spoonflower to print their own fabric!
• Speaking of Spoonflower...I need a dress made of this fabric immediately!  SCIENCE!

• Shauna shared an article by Grown Up Shoes, a fellow Austinite, in her Link Love this week.  The article talks about perceiving your time differently to avoid feeling guilty about never having enough.  I think it's a great way to change your mindset.
• Retro Renovations shared 12 reasons to own a mid-century home.  We've been keeping out eyes out for all the mid-century goodness in Austin since we moved!
• I love these tips for selling on Craigslist.  It can be difficult to find things, but so rewarding when you do!
• And speaking of Shauna, I love the piece she wrote about changing up routines.  Working from home can be difficult and forcing yourself out that comfort zone and embracing some spontaneity can be good for the soul.

• This article is really about different ways to display vintage items, but I was instantly distracted by the scalloped shelving.  Someday, I will have these shelves in my life.
• I love Apartment Therapy's tips for composing a gallery wall around a television.  I've been putting off hanging anything behind ours for months because I just couldn't figure out how to make it look good without being too heavy.  Now I know!
• Let's talk about how beautiful vaulted ceilings are.  They're really beautiful.  That's all, haha!
• I pinned this hallway shot earlier this week and have not been able to get it out of my head.  The colors and lighting are so bright and fun!  

ON THE PINK SAMURAI THIS WEEK

• I painted up some plain wooden boxes to give them a little more personality.  And a cat.  I put a cat on one.  Because cats.
• I shared 6 things that will help your branding stand out.  I'm really proud of this post and love talking about branding and design!
• This week's days were: Melba Toast Day, Chocolate Covered Raisin Day, Waffle Day, Make Up Your Own Holiday Day, Spanish Paella Day, Black Forest Cake Day, and Lemon Chiffon Cake Day.

Check out more Fun Stuff articles here!  But only if you really like making stuff, geeky things and lots of cats.

Fun Stuff • DIYs + The Ultimate Cat Dress + A Trip Down Route 66

This week, I was stuck in bed every day with an ugly cold.  But that gave me plenty of time to scour the internet and spend all day on pinterest :P

Please...reap the benefits of my excessive internet searching this week!

• So you know how I have an almost unhealthy obsession with Peter Pan collars?  NOW I CAN PUT THEM ON EVERYTHING!
• Twinkie Chan is one of my crafty heroes and I'm loving the videos she's started doing.  This one features the new free pattern she just released with Michaels and Lily Sugar 'n Cream.  PS: I'm totally on Team Learn to Read Patterns with her.  It's hard, but amazing worth it!
• Speaking of crafty heroes, Jennifer Perkins just launched a new blog and design and I'm in love with her Cake Stand Terrarium.  I have so many super cute toys that would look even cuter on a cake stand!
• Lidy added liquid gold leaf to these egg cups and turned them into succulent planters.  I think it's brilliant and beautiful!

• I BOUGHT THIS DRESS AND I'M SO HAPPY!!!
• This ring by Laura Busony, has been an object of my desires for a while. 
• These baby pink sunglasses look good enough to eat.
• I totally bought these neon pink cat-eye sunglasses right this second. 
• Margaux Lange has a new line of necklaces out and they're inspired by vintage Barbie coloring books.

• Elsie wrote an interesting piece on blogging being a young industry.  She's been a leader in the space for so long, that I think she has some really great insights on where things are going for the blogging world.
• So, this is more of a "listen" but I really enjoyed Design*Sponge's After the Jump about The Value of Hard Work.  It was nice hearing perspectives of different generations on work ethic.
• Janey went on a trip down the original Route 66 and took some amazing photos!
• My friend Miranda has music blog called The Good Groupie and I love the bands she featured this week.  Especially The Crookes and The Strypes!

• Kate shared her kitchen this week and I'm dyyying!
• These bowls, made from semi-precious stones are absolutely gorgeous.  We really need to start incorporating geologic pieces in our home.
• Ice cream planter?  Yes, please!  How cute would some floofy Hydrangeas look in it?
• I've just found out about water cube glass and I want it everywhere.

ON THE PINK SAMURAI THIS WEEK!

• I shared a new crochet pattern for another comically large Impossible Scarf! 
• The SXSW edition of Renegade was really great this year.  Take a peek at some of my favorite artists.
• And save these St. Patty's Day embroidery patterns for next year.  Or if you like shamrocks and rainbows, rock them out all year!
• On the Happy Day front: Lips Appreciation Day, St. Patrick's Day, Awkward Moments Day, Kick Butts Day, Alien Abduction Day, Common Courtesy Day, and World Water Day.

Check out more Fun Stuff articles here!  But only if you really like making stuff, geeky things and lots of cats.

Fun Stuff • DIY Earrings + Cat Shoes + Human Alarm Clocks and More

This week, I spent a lot of time on Pinterest :P  With Spring starting to peek around the corner, I've been nesting quite a bit and there's no better place for interior design inspiration than Pinterest.  And now that SXSW is winding down, I'll be able to get in and out of town a little easier for more Thrifty Thursdays.  Hooray!

Check out some of the stuffs I found online this week!

• I've been looking for a good turban tutorial since last fall, but this DIY "tur-band" is probably a lot more practical for the Texas summer that's heading my way.
• Being a geology nerd, I totally love the idea of decoupaging everything to look like different types of stones!  Also, you should've seen my first attempt as spelling "decoupaging".  Woof.
• Kathy Cano-Murillo is on of my crafty heroes and her recent, super simple geometric jewelry tutorial is just begging to be made.
• How great are these lightening bolt earrings?!  They make me want to put nail polish on everything.

• This dress reminds me of a super-cute version of Elle Driver from Kill Bill.  Have I mentioned how much I love Kill Bill?
• Because I always need another black and white, Peter Pan collar dress.  But this one has a scalloped collar!  And they make it for tall girls, too!
• Vans is partnering with the ASPCA and they made the most perfect sneakers for crazy cat ladies.
• I don't know that I could pull these off outside of pjs because of my Amazonian height, but I still love them dearly.  Because cats. 

• I found out about Hoop-la magazine from Jenny Hart a while ago on twitter and I've been trying to figure out how to get my hands on a copy ever since!  She's featured in the magazine along side lots of other artists and general embroidery inspiration.  So cute!
• Shauna posted this article about jobs that no longer exist in her Link Love this week.  I think it's so cool to see a slice of life that's so foreign to us now.  History is awesome.  Though, I do wonder who woke up the human alarm clocks.
• I started reading Sailor Moon recently and just found out they're remaking the anime.  So stoked!
• This is a look inside my brain whenever I go to Target. 

• Speaking of geology...how incredible is this lamp?!  Andy says it's a soul gem that was forged with the corrupted souls of demons.  Even if it is, I still want it in my house.
• Let's talk about how dreamy this dining room is for a minute.  It's pretty much perfection in my book.  That hutch!  That table!  There could be a little more pink in the room, but other than that, it's ideal haha!
• This pink couch is everything that is good in the world.
• I've been really digging bullet planters lately, as one does.  They're just so fun and kitschy!

On The Pink Samurai this week...

• I shared photos from the Austin Marathon last month.
• HOLY MOLY I MET LIL BUB!
• And this week gave us: Panic Day, Mario Day, Dream Day, Girl Scout Day, Ear Muff Day, Pi Day and Corn Dog Day.

Check out more Fun Stuff.  Spoiler alert: there's lots of cats and pink!

Fun Stuff • Faceted Candles + Cat Dress + How to Write a Craft Book

Woohoo!  I'm experimenting with a new format for these Fun Stuff features.  I'd love to know what you think!  I'm a very visual person and these posts seemed to lack a little umph.  And nothing adds umph like photos.

February was a really slow month for me, personally, and I think that really seeped through to the blog as well.  March will be full of more fun, more DIYs and more cats!  I'll be sharing a survey to get an idea of what you'd like to see, so keep an eye out.  There might be a chance for free scarf if you fill it out...

But on to the glorious link dump!

• These cross-stitch pillows look so easy and fun!  I've experimented with stitching on crochet, but just wasn't feeling it.  This makes me want to try again, for sure.
• Can you imagine using this i-cord knitting technique with giant yarn and making a huge design? I can!
• I want to make candles sooooo bad.  Like, I've been thinking about it forever and have just never done it, but this tutorial for faceted candles has put me over the edge.  I'm doin' it.  You watch!
• I've been fascinated with quilt-making since the first time I watched my mom make one.  We even went to quilt shows and she let me design my own years ago (spoiler: there were cats on it).  This book review Vintage Quilt Revival really makes me want to put a modern spin on traditional quilts.

• Sequins and scallops are a match made in super-cute heaven.  I'm sad it's so expensive, but maybe there's a way to DIY it...
• Who doesn't need another cat dress?  I mean really.  
• And a cat trench coat!  Modcloth is on fire right now!
• Because I'm forever a Trekkie.  United Federation of Planets t-shirt.  I'm a jeans and tee kind of girl and with Spring just around the corner, I'm looking to beef up my t-shirt collection.
• I'm in love with this heart dress.  Black + White + Hearts = Everything good.  Except for cats...it should also have cats.

• So Kyla Roma is a constant inspiration to me and her piece about what to do if the year is getting away from you  came at just the right time.  
• Mars is in retrograde...which would explain my slump of a February.  But I'm going to take Gala and Kyla's advice and power through March! 
• Design*Sponge featured 24 Hours in Austin and my favorite part of this piece, besides it being a great guide for visitors (hello SXSW!), was the intro by Keith Kreeger.  "After 12 years on Cape Cod, we moved to Austin in 2009.  My wife grew up in Houston and like so many people who have married a Texan...it's clear that at some point you'll become one."  Haha!  Truth.
• How to Write and Publish a Best Selling Craft Book.  I devoured this book yesterday and I highly recommend it for anyone looking to get into the craft book game.  I've just started a journey that I'm so stoked about and I feel like I've really been armed with everything I need because of this book! 

• Being an avid collector, I'm always looking for inspiration when it comes to displays.  I love this example displaying collections without it looking too cluttered.  That's a constant battle in my home haha!
• This copper conical vase is beyond gorgeous.  It's modern, with a hint of science!
• Painted brick is a great way to incorporate color into a space and hide potentially ugly fireplace.  This dark teal is the stuff of dreams!
• I adore this neon peach accent wall!  I mean, anything to get more pink in the house, am I right?

Stuff from TPS this Week

• I visited Ledbelly Vintage for a peek inside their showroom!
• Check out this list of totally random holidays: Dr. Seuss Day, Cold Cuts Day, Pancake Day, Cheese Doodle Day, Name Tag Day, Cereal Day

Check out more Fun Stuff articles here!  But only if you really like making stuff, geeky things and lots of cats.

Fun Stuff • Arm Knitting + Sailor Moon Hoodies + S'mores Forever

Stuff to Make

• Jessica, of How About Orange, shared a really great website that teaches you how to knit.  My brain has always rejected knitting as something I could never do, plus I like to have one hand free in case I need to battle, but maybe this site will help me actually learn.  It'll never help with the battle readiness, though.
• With two cats in the house that love eating plants, I can't have real flowers, but this Design*Sponge round-up of paper flowers can brighten a space without making your cats barf.
• How to arm knit a scarf in 20 minutes.  A scarf that's comically large AND quick to make?  Yes.  Maybe I'll add some arm-knit scarves to next winter's collection!
• I'd love to make a giant, circulur pink version of this pom-pom rug.  Or black and white...so good.
• Rachel shared a simple way to decorate your boring planters.  Because everyone needs more pink and glitter in their lives.

Stuff to Wear

• I'm a total Harry Potty fangirl so this Luna Lovegood glasses ring is everything good.  I drew the same glasses for Peculiar People Day this year!
• I cannot wait for March 3rd, because these Sailor Moon hoodies are a necessity.  I've just started reading the manga and I looove it ^_^
• It's about time to start thinking about sandals in Austin.  I love the fat, clean lines of this pair.

Stuff to Eat

• Give me everything spicy all the time.  Emma's Pepper Jack Bites look so yummy!
• Thin Mint S'mores!  It's a combination of the two greatest things that have ever been in your mouth.
• The existence of Puppy Chow Popcorn has totally blown my mind.  
• Oh...and S'mores Pie.  Because S'mores.

Stuff to Read

• Shauna's Link Love features are always filled with gold.  She shared this piece about how to photograph in low-light and the advice is spot-on.
• Gertie wrote a review of Seams Unlikely, Nancy Zieman's autobiography and I can't wait to read the book.  Nancy has always been in my home, authoring whole shelves of my sewing books and on TV when I was younger.
• Full disclosure, I haven't listened to this yet, but I really really want to!

Stuff from TPS this Week

• This week was quiet, but I did share a gigantic post of all of the vintage, thrift and antique stores I've been to in Austin.  It's a big list.
• And it was Curling is Cool Day, Tortilla Chip Day, Chocolate-Covered Peanut Day, Levi Strauss Day, Strawberry Day, Tooth Fairy Day, and Pig Day.  It was a strange and diverse week for holidays haha!

Check out more Fun Stuff articles here!  But only if you really like making stuff, geeky things and eating lots of S'mores.