Sugar & Cloth

I’m a total sucker for cute packaging and all things paper goods, and I’m totally the girl that hoards all of the cute boxes and bottles after everything is said and done. The only catch is that I wish I could keep the packaging the same forever.  A perfect example is that I refuse to actually use cute paper coasters because I don’t want to ruin them, and I don’t like to actually use scrubs and candles near water because the label might wear off.

In case I’m not the only crazy one out there that thinks of these things, I have a cure for your pretty label woes, and it’s called dimensional magic. Personally I think that magic portion of that name is entirely appropriate considering you can now actually use the pretty things that you bought just for the label.

Materials:

• Dimensional magic in clear
• Any paper item like candles, vases, bath scrubs, or paper coasters for example

To waterproof labels on things like candles, vases, bath scrubs, or paper coasters, simply outline the coaster/paper design with a rim of dimensional magic, and then fill in the middle.

Let it set for 24 hrs, and you’re finished. Simple as that!

Guys, can I be really honest with you? It’s been a tough few weeks for me. With all of the commotion of moving, traveling, working, things I’m afraid to tell you, and even things as simple as finding our new grocery stores or dry cleaners, I’m feeling pretty worn out.

It’s funny though how it’s the times that you feel the most down that simple things you normally wouldn’t give a whole lot of thought to suddenly seem more beautiful, like this quote from Mother Teresa. It really struck me. It’s not about what you’re doing, who you are, or how important something seems to be, it’s all in your motive behind it. Sometimes I just have to take time and remind myself of what’s important.

Wouldn’t it be amazing if the whole world would… “do small things with great love.”

I’m officially headed to Alt today, (whoop!) and as a friendly reminder, this DIY’er always welcomes a wish of luck and a prayer or two. While I’m plane hopping and fighting off butterflies, I’ve left you with the unveil of what I’ve deemed my new Blood, Sweat, & Tears business card packaging. My husband would be very happy to vouch for this new title as well…

The card was designed by me and letterpressed by the ever-amazing folks behind Eat Sleep Ride Print. We used clear business cards envelopes to enclose the card, a swirl of twine (my go-to item as you know), a package of glitter (my number two go-to item), and a little wooden clothespin to emphasize pulling yourself together. Okay, that last part isn’t true, I just thought they were cute so I threw them in there. Don’t judge me.

A quick fun fact for you: Did you know that you can rub chalk  over a rubber stamp to stamp your logo? True story!

You may or may not know that I started this blog a year ago with little to zero idea of how the whole blogging world worked. Everything that I’ve done well (or failed at miserably) so far has been by a pretty steep learning curve. During the summer I happened to come across Alt Design Summit through following Hank + Hunt, and it’s like I’ve had an entire vat of knowledge delivered to my virtual doorstep! Literally. I can’t believe I’ve been missing out for this long! You can find out what to do when you feel like your mom is the only one reading your blog (hey, mom!), how to start working with advertisers, and the importance of keeping the community alive.

Not only can you take classes online & attend their conferences (like where Martha Stewart showed up, ah!), but they have some of the top bloggers post tips and info on the Alt blog which is available to everyone. Needless to say, I realllllyy wish I could have snagged a ticket to the conference, but now they’re giving one away! I feel like I’m trying to win a visit Willy Wonka or something! Anyhow, what are some of the things you’ve learned along the way from blogging, or what do you love most when reading other blogs? I’m learning to love getting more involved with readers and other bloggers instead of having tunnel vision glasses on constantly.

photo via // design by S+C

I’m really into industrial & vintage decor right now. I don’t know what it is about it, but if I could afford to decorate my whole house from Schoolhouse Electric & Supply, I totally would. These are my favorites–

Noble memo pad // Ion lamp // Taper candle set // Cocanu chocolates // Apothecary soaps // Radar wall sconces