Angela

4 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Product

January 20, 2015 by Angela

For years now I’ve been working toward making my own purchases (clothing, crafts, beauty, food… basically everything), more ethical and sustainable. It’s something I think a lot more people would pay attention to if they only had the resources. More and more I’m finding that they’re out there, they just take a little digging! So, I’m bringing the resources front and center for anyone else who’s considered the impact of their purchases.

The ups & downs of working from home

January 14, 2015 by Angela

Working at home is always a roller coaster ride for me, and one of my goals this year is to fully enjoy it. The benefits outweigh the drawbacks just in the most basic sense—who wants to be at an 8-5 all day and commute home?! But as anyone will tell you, the lack of work/life balance, the restlessness, and for some of us, the lack of a space to even work from, are frustrating. I thought I’d kick off the topic of creative careers by sharing my experience so far: [Read more…] about The ups & downs of working from home

Portraits by Charity Hestead

January 12, 2015 by Angela

Charity just moved to Los Angeles and asked me to be part of one of her first creative projects here. I’d never actually been to Forest Lawn Memorial Park but was eager to see how she would translate her vision for golden hour portraits to a memorial park setting–one that could be seen as tragic or beautiful or for mourning or for celebration. I’ve been a little stressed out lately, mostly because I’ve been too busy to really envision how I want the year to go, and joked with Kevin before I left that maybe Charity could capture my sadness. (I can be a little dark, and yes, melodramatic, okay?).

But Charity did translate what I was feeling here, without really knowing it. Not sadness, because that really was hyperbolic, but of someone that is kind of emerging into a new state of mind, into the positive light of the new year. I feel like we told a story the way we (try to, anyway) when we’re writing.

Aside from that, I was able to play model for an afternoon and dress up in my best bohemian ensemble and walk along gardens in the early evening light. If you’re in LA, Charity is definitely someone to call for creative work–photography, writing, general lets-get-up-and-go type of adventures all around SoCal. Here’s to many more places to see and pictures to take! xo

Find more photos in her blog post.

Photography: Charity Hestead | Dress & Shrug: Free People, Thrifted | Kimono: Thrifted | Necklace: Flea market find

Alex of alexandra em stationery + design

January 7, 2015 by Angela

When I set out to redesign my blog, I only knew one thing for sure: a handwritten header was in order. I even tried to create one myself (so for all you wondering, it isn’t easy to become a calligrapher or watercolor artist in an hour, regardless of what you may think!). Around the time I realized I wanted something polished, pretty, and not done by me, I saw Alexandra’s work on Instagram. We’d been following each other for a little while and I’d bought a few cards from her Etsy shop. Thankfully, she was up for the challenge of designing my logo on a very tight deadline. I had a lovely experience working with Alex and she’s graciously agreed to share a bit of her design + biz background today, so I hope you’ll read this long post!

To start, Alex quickly sent me a survey regarding what I’d like to see from the design. I loved that because I was very certain of how I wanted my f’s to be 🙂 . Then she came back with several mockups that were all beautiful, but I knew I wanted this one right away. She even worked with me for another round of examples, this time including more watercolor. But in the end I kept it sweet and simple.

Alex on her Etsy shop: When I first started my Etsy shop in 2009, I didn’t actually sell anything. I had always planned on creating and selling cards, but life got in the way for a couple of years and nothing came of it. Finally, in 2011, I got my first few cards up—they were actually all flat note cards at the time—and I’ve been adding new designs and improving my processes ever since. I still remember my first sale and being surprised and excited all at the same time. It seemed so surreal that people would actually pay me to do something I enjoyed so much. I still feel that way with each sale, and I’m so grateful for that because it inspires me every day.

Her designs all involved beautiful use of white space, modern typography, and pops of color. Aside from the fun cards in her Etsy shop, she’s done custom work like small business logos, art prints, and my header. She’s also recently started a wedding project, including signs + invites.

It’s always such an amazing feeling to be a part of something special in someone’s life, even if it’s just a little something behind the scenes. They’re trusting you to create something extraordinary, and it really motivates me to be more creative, try new things, and push myself to do the best work possible.

^I snagged this knowing it might come in handy one day with Kevin… And it sure did.

What’s to come in 2015?

First and foremost is to really expand my calligraphy work. I want to keep doing custom prints and expand further into logos and wedding stationery. I also want to start growing my blog. I started that this year, and while I have a million ideas for it, I’ve been a little short on time. I’m really looking forward to spending more time on it and sharing my art and my travels.

Mid-winter essentials

January 6, 2015 by Angela

Two things: One—I know it’s a stretch to say it’s mid-winter. But December always feels like winter though it’s really not, and California does winter differently anyway. Two—It may or may not be 80 degrees in Los Angeles as I type this. After a chilly few days it suddenly got warm and my apartment didn’t get the memo. I’m currently cozied up in a warm blanket and long sleeve, hoping that opening the door will heat my livingroom up a bit!

Herringbone Scarf, Check Tunic, Handmade Grey Preppy Shoes, Pin Dot Socks, Notebooks, Lip Balms

So yes, my essentials this time of year may be a little different than they’d be in the Pacific Northwest. I don’t need rainboots or a wool coat, but a thick dress and circle scarf is appropriate for most climates, I think. Investing in a good pair of close-toed shoes would be a smart move, especially those of us who wear flats + sandals whenever possible. I also added in a notebook, because who can survive January without one? I have this set from Scout & Catalogue and it’s the perfect size for tossing in any of my bags. Resolutions, goals, plans… So much to jot down. A couple of lip balms from Spirit Beauty Lounge (while my favorite Etsy shop is on vacation), and tall, but not too thick, socks make for a cozy day in or out around town.

This roundup (and all of my roundups) features exclusively indie + ethically created + handmade products. Click the links above to explore the different shops and designers!

What goes with you everywhere in January?

DIY dreamcatcher

January 2, 2015 by Angela

This dreamcatcher DIY is something I’ve been wanting to do for months, maybe years. I have a small collection of vintage ribbons and ricrac and lace, that I’ve waited ever so patiently for the right project to come along to use. I think I’ve had this collection for five years now. Recently I realized the dreamcatcher would be the right project, so I started collecting other things, like dyed yarn bundles from MW Fiber Arts and scraps of wool from crochet.

Finding the perfect size ring was difficult so I went with an embroidery hoop and designed the lace to hide the clasp. I used this tutorial to learn how to tie the string into a net. You loop it around and then continue to tie little knots in each piece.

Then all that was left was to tie the strings, as I didn’t want to cover up the light wood of the ring. I took green floral wire and added a few feathers here and there.

Tip: Go over the strings (quickly) with a flat iron if they’re kinky or coily from the packages.

Our bed is in a very inconvenient spot right now, sideways near our window (so I can have an “office”), so the dreamcatcher is off to the side.

I’m excited to try my hand at more of these this year!