Angela Hamilton

conscious living

5 questions for: Blogger Jennifer of Earl Grey

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Happy Friday! I’m so so excited to begin this new blogger Q&A series on my blog! I’ve wanted to make if found, make. a space dedicated to sharing the perspectives of other bloggers and creatives for awhile now, and I finally decided to make it happen! Check back periodically (dates TBA) for brief interviews with other bloggers + small biz owners to gain insight into their work, get inspiration, and discover new websites. You can read my about page + this post for more info on how this idea came about.
Thanks to Jennifer of Earl Grey for helping me kick off this series!
Earl Grey is a crafty design blog and I think that sums it up pretty perfectly. I love seeing new posts on anything from DIY to blog design come up in my bloglovin’ feed! Jennifer has recently added posts dedicated to helping people customize their blogs. I actually just watched her Photoshop collage tutorial and it taught me a few shortcuts I hadn’t thought of yet!
1. Which post(s) has been your favorite to write?
One of my very favorite posts to write was my Intro to CSS + CSS Cheat Sheet post. I was kind of holding my breath when I published it because I didn’t know if people would be interested in it. It ended up being one of my most popular posts yet and it encouraged me to create more design-related posts.
 
2. How important is it to have a blog that fits into a certain category?
I think blogs can fit into multiple categories but there should always be an overall focus. If you have a main focus (design, the handmade lifestyle, travel, etc.), it becomes easier to share a variety of topics while keeping a cohesive feel.
3. What is the single best investment you’ve made in your blog?
E-courses! I don’t think I can choose just one. In the past few years, I have taken many courses and workshops to learn things about content development, blog customization, and photography. It’s wonderful being able to develop new (and relevant) skills without spending a ton of money. Some courses have been better than others but I have always learned something new that I was able to incorporate into my blog.
4. With all the blogs emerging every day, you think it’s still possible to organically grow a blog?
Yes! I have noticed that with each new blog that is created, another blog withers away. Sometimes I come across fantastic looking blogs and then I see that their last post was from a year ago. It’s really easy to get discouraged and feel like it’s taking forever to grow your blog (I feel that way all the time!), but if you stick with it and work towards improving your blog every day, I think you will definitely stand out in the end.
5. How does your blog life influence your “real” life?
My blog life influences my real life in such a valuable way. Since I’m always looking for inspiration, I feel like I am more aware of what’s around me. It has made me more adventurous and more appreciative of little things like color schemes, patterns, and typography.
Thanks for all the inspiration Jenn!

Ethical bags roundup: tote bags

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1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5
I admit that I’m known to abuse everyday purses by filling them up with my equipment, like cameras + laptops, and wearing them around town for months until the handles break. Not only that but I’m pretty bad about keeping those items in a case. Since I’m on the go all the time, I want a bag that will fit my laptop (and camera too would be a bonus!) safely, work as a handbag for everything else (wallet, keys, phone, the occasional snack…), not scream “laptop!” and hold up for months of daily use. Yes, it’s a huge must-have list. Finally, my most recent bag is just to its breaking point so I’m on the lookout for the next one. 
After couple hours combing through my bookmarks and things I’ve pinned, I found some great handmade + fair trade bags around the net. My favorites are the solid leather bag from Natasha Kraskin on Etsy and the Equinox Satchel at Moorea Seal. Decisions, decisions…

5 pinterest accounts to follow for inspiration

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Pinterest is just the best. It’s the most useful place to compile everything, get that inspiration, connect with people, and more. They’ve been going strong for four years without making a dime (until recently) – I’m oversimplifying this, but investors choose them because they know how awesome Pinterest is and that it’s not going anywhere – so they were able to keep going and even expand as a company without rolling out ads until this point. So inspiring. I’m on Pinterest every day, so I thought it was about time to share some of the most inspiring users I’ve seen. I’ve noticed that the “big pinners” tend to have their own little network, and they usually recycle 90% of the pins going around in their circle – over and over. So instead of following the biggest people I see (unless I really love their aesthetic) I go for people that simply fit my style, and almost all of those people are bloggers or artists themselves.

Follow for all things pretty…
I feel like everyone on Etsy knows Simply Hue, but did you know that Vicki has the prettiest Pinterest? She posts everything from cute animals to photography to decor. We have similar vibes and she’s always in my “repins from” highlight.
Follow for design inspiration…
Best in Los Angeles, Little Cat Design Co. has curated a Pinterest full of interesting graphics, art, and design in a palette of bright pink tones mixed in with neutral, more minimalist images. Some of my favorite boards to peruse are crafty and domestic.
For style ideas…
I find myself repinning effortless, casual street style images from Chelsea Lane almost as much as I pin images directly from her blog Zipped. Since an ensemble of slouchy sweaters, chunky scarves, leggings or skinnies, and ankle boots makes up my ideal wardrobe (one that I really miss wearing daily in the PNW), I always feel a little more inspired after pinning a good fall look. Check out her style + home boards.
To fuel your wanderlust…
I look to Kristine Woolf of Kristine Woolf Portraits for images of both the California sunshine on her beach boards and endless amounts of gorgeous scenery in her woodsy Endless Evergreen + Beautiful Autumn boards. It kiiind of fuels my constant battle between wanting to be here and wanting to be there.
For all things art + handmade…
Full of unique art + design images, I can’t get enough of Cranberry Deer (Graphic Designer)! It basically entirely uplifting and cheery photos, and I’m always discovering new artists or designers based off of the pins. She’s based in Australia and one of the few pinners I follow that feature tons of product shots – because they’re all cool, indie artists and brands. Favorite boards include DIY and home.
Link your fave pinners below! You can find me here.

Etsy wishlist

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Cute floral Raise Hell Print by Striped Cat Studio
 Pretty San Francisco Photography Print by Kim Fearheiley Photography
 I originally favorited Barruntando‘s shop for their yarn bowls, but I love the cloud spoon rests.
Such calming colors in this lilac and mint wrap bracelet by Leini Jewelry.
Do you ever have those “What I’d buy off Etsy if I were rich” moments? I’d snag this coffee table by Clear Path Imports (Vintage Woods) in an instant. Maybe one day…
What’s on your wishlist lately? Link to it!

Little office details

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Ah, so obviously this little blog hasn’t been the priority lately. But in all my rushing around to meet deadlines for work, visiting family, and trying to plan a summer adventure or two, I did make creating an office space a priority. I’ll be back with a full recap soon, but my desk area now takes up half of a room in our small apartment, which is quite amazing after working from the couch for two months. I had one heck of a time finding the perfect desk for the space, and after returning four (yes, there’s a story there!) thankfully CB2 came to the rescue with their go-kart console table and shelf. They’re light and bright and soso perfect for crafting. Can’t wait until I actually have time to craft!
Another addition is this cute 9-drawer mini-shelf. I’m obsessed with all those pretty vintage ones on Etsy, but as you might’ve noticed, there’s hardly ever any under $100. So, yeah, not vintage, but still perfect for all those little things I save–but don’t exactly know why. 
The acrylic look is so fun but I just don’t think my office will ever look like those ones on The Everygirl–they’re always so chic and clean. My space is bound to get a bit messy and if everything were clear all you’d see is tangled yarn and scrap paper. But I thought this cute clear box was perfect for ribbons and tape, especially after my kitty knocked over the glass jar I had them all thrown in anyway.
How has your summer? Any reorganizing? It’s going by so fast!

Creative styling ideas

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Whether it’s for a blog, shop, or instagram, it seems like every photo out there has an extra dose of creativity lately. I love seeing clever styling when it comes to fashion, products, DIYs, and decor… especially when it has that aerial view on a crisp background. I remember reading a few times that Pinterest has made people push themselves more in terms of creativity because everyone wants to be able to take that gorgeous photo. Here are some styles I’m loving and ideas for doing them yourself:
The Pink Diary is a blog full of perfectly styled outfit ideas. Tip: Fold clothes so everything fits in the frame, and add little details like polish.
Free People‘s blog is one of those few brands that’s actually a go-to for inspiration. This packing list keeps it simple on a blank backdrop.

I’ve always loved when Etsy sellers style each product according to a specific brand and aesthetic. Factory1974 does just that on a neutral wood-grain background. With products, it’s important to keep your branding functional–people should be able to see what they’ll get. This one’s a definite success.

Another shop on Etsy, Smile Mercantile, has a shop fully stocked with perfectly curated supplies and vintage goods. Valerie seems to get EVERYTHING right here, and each picture looks different–and worthy of sharing! Now that I think of it, I feel a shop feature coming on…

Coffee table and workspace styling is huge right now, so if you have a cute table, you better be photographing it! This photo by Rebecca Dale of a space/styling on WithLoveFromKat (including a print by MadeByGirl) couldn’t be better designed. Tip: Fresh flowers can only make your photo better.  
Charity styled this 80s party dress on our shop’s instagram and pretty much doubled our followers instantly (hey, we’re getting there!). So, the tip here is: Get creative and you can’t go wrong. Oh, and add a pineapple. Always add a pineapple. 

Are you into this styling trend? Which one is your favorite?

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