Thursday, May 21, 2020

Handmade Happiness

It's no secret that I love to create things.  For me, creating and designing is automatic- just like breathing.  I can't stop myself even if I wanted to.  What the average person might not know about me, is that I also love to purchase things from other makers and small handmade shops.  I've shown a few of the handmade items that I've bought over the years here on my blog but I'd like to start showcasing more of them.


As I mentioned the other day, I've had a burst of creative energy and ideas the past few weeks.  I've been expanding the notes on my laptop.  I've been making lists of anything and everything: business ideas, artwork and decor for the house, projects to make, and more.  I've spent a lot of time on Pinterest searching for tutorials.  I've also spent time on Etsy looking for handmade items to personalize our house.  Then, I used some of Eliot's and my tax refund money to purchase a few items for the house, some fun accessories for me and some new supplies for our businesses.

The main thing I've been focused on lately is my Up themed wall.  I've seen a few pieces that would be a perfect addition.  A few weeks ago, I reached out to Soar Craft about ordering a custom Disney key design.  She usually paints keys the size of the Disney Store keys in different character designs.  I'd seen an Up anniversary design on her Instagram and I fell in love with it.  I asked her if it was possible to order a larger version so it would be more visible.  After a little bit of conversing back and forth, I'd ordered a large 9" custom order Up themed Wedding Anniversary Disney Key.


It arrived a few weeks ago and I absolutely love how it came out!  The details are so cute and the text is so good!  It looks like just the text on the Adventure Book in Up!  I could never paint it that good.  I really love how it's personalized with Eliot's and my wedding date too!  I'm so glad I ordered this from her!

Another item that I bought for our Up themed wall was this Up inspired 'Home is Where the Heart Is' sign from Pirates of Wonderland.  My Mom and Dad have a sign that says this in their dining room that I always admired when growing up.  This version was a fun, magical and modern way to incorporate the phrase into our home.  I love it so much!  The little Mickey balloons and house are so cute!!!


The final artwork that I bought was from Kodis Creations.  I've wanted to order from this shop forever and I finally did it!  Amber makes the most beautiful paper art.  She's known for her character letters, but she also makes other designs.  I ordered two pieces for my first order- Carl and Ellie's Chairs and the Candy Apples.  The chairs are so cute with the little Mickey balloons over them.  I had to have the adorable Mickey and Minnie Candy Apples.  They're going to live in our kitchen on a gallery wall there.


I've also always loved ordering accessories on Etsy.  There are so many creative things to add to your wardrobe there.  Every once in a while, I buy a few items to personalize my wardrobe and add a little bit of magic.

Recently, I've been really into those knotted bow headbands.  My hair is pretty unruly so I love to have something to hold it out of my face.  I don't wear it down often, but when I do, I pretty much always wear a headband.  Thus, I have quite the collection in my Etsy cart.  The other day, I finally ordered two from Thingamabows.  These ones are made from actual Disney Dress Shop dresses so they'll match my Mickey Sketch and Ink & Paint dresses perfectly!  I couldn't pass that up!  They really are perfect!


Another accessory item that I love are bracelets.  I don't wear them every day, but they're fun to wear when going out or at the parks.  I've started a small collection of character, holiday and event inspired bracelets.  I recently purchased some for from Ladybug Bowtique and added four more to my collection: Sorcerer Mickey, Elliott, Festival of the Arts and Forky.  I first purchased the Elliott and Festival of the Arts bracelets, but a few minutes later, I discovered Forky.  He automatically fell into my cart, and I added the Sorcerer Mickey for good measure.  I love all of the bright colors, the beautiful charms and the attention to details!!!  I'll definitely be back for more!


I've slowly been adding a few supplies to my ever-growing collection for Happily Ever Hatter.  I've got a new product in mind, so hopefully that will work out and I can show you those soon!  I also have a lot of designs that I've had in the back of my mind for a while now.  I was able to order a bunch of supplies for them with some of our refund!

I've currently got a few more things on order for the house- and that doesn't even begin to cover all of the things that I've put on my to order list.  I'm hoping to order a piece here and there when we're financially able to.  Plus, there's no point fully diving in and buying everything now since we're still painting and getting the house prepared.  But, I think that we're off to a great start so far!


I also have a long list of artwork and decor projects for Eliot and me to make when we can.  I've started to order a few of the supplies for some of them.  I'm also starting to work on a few of the easier projects.  Keep your eyes peeled; I'm planning to post tutorials for some of the projects that I'm working on here on my blog!

I really love the personalization and special touch that handmade items bring to an outfit or a home.  I want to fill our house with bright colors, handmade treasures, home decor and artwork created with love, magic, faith, trust, and a little bit of pixie dust!  °o°

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