Read & Relax

Happy weekend! It's been a busy one over here, and I'm going to write more about that tomorrow, but for today, I just wanted to hop by and share some of the cool things I've found on the internet recently.

These words of Ira Glass really struck a cord with me. Starting out with anything creative can be a struggle, and usually is. Which is why it's so important to remember that we all start from the beginning, and that nobody's first try is ever perfect.

The most inspiring and touching speech I've heard, by J.K. Rowling. The emotion I got from listening to it is hard to put into words. It's definitely worth a listen, whether you like Harry Potter or not.

McDonald's passed off as organic food? This one is all about the power of priming. An amazing example of how much the framing of a product (the context it's in) really influences us.

Whether you like their product or not, Dove sure pulls off some amazing campaigns. If you had to choose between a door that says "Beautiful" and a door that says "Average", which one would you walk through? Made me think about how I see myself. I haven't discussed it on the blog, but it's no secret that I've gained some weight after moving to Germany. And it's been a struggle to see myself as beautiful. But, it really is important what we tell and how we treat ourselves. I for one am determined to treat myself better.

If you've been wondering what to do with the exterior of your home, here's and idea. Wow! is all i have to say about that.

And, in case you're doing some spring cleaning, here are some good tips for taking care of your jewelry. Plus, Makaro has some gorgeous jewelry, so, you know, in case you're looking for a Mother's day gift, be sure to give their collection a look-through. (Hubby, if you're reading this, I would love this!)

Last, but not least, if you're looking for a DIY project, why not give the scrap yarn blanket on the above photo a go? It's the perfect piece to cuddle up in around the bonfire.

xo. Hanna

P.S! I'm sewing the first samples for the Sewing Club projects. An update is coming soon! If you're interested, sign-up below!

Favorite Finds // Wander often, wonder always

Goodies: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9

I love this saying! It's what I live by nowadays, especially the second part. I would never have thought that having so much uncertainty and wondering in my life would be something I appreciate. But, while it is stressful, this time is also filled with discovery and freedom to choose. And that is something I wasn't too willing to allow myself to do before.

The end of shop sale is in full swing, and I'm already daydreaming of new horizons. In the mean time, use the coupon code ENDSALE to get 50% off your purchase in my Etsy shop until there are goodies left. Some of the bags are already down to the last one. 

Also, I hope you will have a little bit of time to wander and wonder this weekend!

xo. Hanna

Read & Relax

I don't know about you, but I'm having a pretty lazy Saturday. I slept in big time, and am still sitting in my Pj's as I type this. Yep, it's almost 3pm, and I still haven't gotten dressed. It's that type of day, what can I say. Every now and again I need a day like this. I just got official recognition and confirmation to my over-achiever qualities, so I'm trying to make this a guilt free almost slacking off day. Except for doing my B-school homework, cleaning the apartment a little, and going to a clothing swap party later. So, does that still count as a lazy Saturday? I'm beginning to see, that's the laziest I'm capable of without feeling guilty.

Oh, and in case you're wondering, the buns picture above were made by team Saar last weekend, and they were amazing! We need to stop making dozens of cinnamon, chocolate, and raisin buns - my pants are getting tight.

Before I go and slack off Hanna style, I thought I'd share some great articles and inspiring stories I've bookmarked over the past couple of weeks.

Since starting B-school I've been reading more business-related articles than I usually do, but I think this one is a fun and inspiring for non-business folks as well. Warning! This might make you feel bad about yourself a little, so consume with caution.

This segment from the Daily Show is hilarious, but so saddening and infuriating at the same time. I had a lot of feelings after watching it, and frustration was definitely on of them. But, it was also very funny.

Elise's podcast has been on my must-listen-to list for a while now. Her last podcast about copyrights couldn't have come at a better time for me. If your into creative businesses, motivation and goal-setting and the behind the scenes stuff (anything related to creative businesses really), I highly recommend tuning in.

It was so interesting to read Grace's essay on negativity online. She's a blogger I've admired for years now, and reading her take on the bullying I see online sometimes was really thought-provoking.

And, since reading is always better with a cup of coffee, here's how to make your own coffee syrup to make an even leckerer java experience.

I hope you're all having a wonderful weekend, whether it's a lazy or productive one.

xo. Hanna

P.S! If you've been living under a rock, taken an internet sabbatical, or haven't visited me in the last few weeks, I published a crafty home decor book, and you should check it out. (Practicing my marketing skills, people)

Read & Relax

Hi, guys! I hope you're having a wonderful weekend so far. Here are some interesting reads I've found in the interwebs lately to keep you entertained:

The topics around Etsy are getting more and more heated these days. Here's an article about how handmade is getting a whole new meaning on Etsy due to the emergence of shops selling cheap imported goods as their own making, and earning quite the penny in the process. It does stir all kinds of feelings in me, but I'll refrain from a full on debate at this point. But I will say that continuing on Etsy is something I'm deeply doubting at the moment.

I loved reading this article about the 10 benefits of doing yarn crafts. It's like I say - creativity truly is the best therapy -  and I have science on my side.

I linked to it on Monday as well, but Oliver Sacks' article deserves another share. 

Apparently there's a huge dress debate going on I knew nothing about. And, let's not discuss the colors, but it does raise questions on my favorite topic - the human brain. By the way, if you want to read more amazing stories of the human brain, and what happens when something goes wrong with it, you should read Oliver Sacks' books. I've read The Man Who Mistook His Wife For A Hat and Musicophilia. Both were fascinating. Like the tale of a man that got hit by lightning and turned into a musical genius because of it. Or people who can't turn off the music that's constantly playing in  their head. Or, a man who can't distinguish between a hat and his wife. I could talk for hours about the mystery that is our brain, but I'll leave it at the book suggestions for today.

Going through Mayi's 5 Day Life is Messy Challenge, and it's getting me all kinds of inspired.

And, last but not least, here's the trailer for the most epic Estonian war movie ever made called 1944 (the trailer has English subs). It premiered last week, and is already breaking all kinds of records. I'm so sad I won't be able to see it for a while, since it obviously doesn't run in German cinemas, at least not yet.

That's it from me today! I'll catch you again on Monday.

xo, Hanna

Favorite Finds // All you need is love

Links: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 

I hope you've had a wonderful Valentine's day so far. I'm flying solo this year, which means doing crafts, taking walks, drinking coffee, and eating fries and chicken nuggets (I know). So, while I am missing my hubby, I'm making the most of me-time.

This also includes window-shopping on Etsy. Every time I go to check how my own shop is doing, I get sucked into this rabbit hole of awesome goodies, that I just want need in my life. Just look at those up-cycled ruler bracelets!

Oh, and it's not too early to shop for a bathing suit, right? I mean, it was already 12 degrees  and sunny outside today. That's practically what we call summer in Estonia. I'm loving this weather we're having. If it were up to me, I'd always fast forward from the 1st of January to the 1st of April, when it usually starts to get warmer in Estonia. Luckily for me, I almost did that by moving to Germany! Perhaps we'll move to Italy next, and it'll be officially DONE.

Until then, I'm happy with what I've got now. Which is a lot.

There's still time to use that coupon code to get 30% off in my shop this weekend. Just enter LOVE4U at check-out to receive the discount.

I'm off to drink some tea and watch some Gilmore Girls!

xo. Hanna

10 DIY ideas for your Valentine's outfit

I spent all Thursday updating my blog archives, so I thought I would celebrate by sharing some crafty ideas to spend your Sunday on. And since Valentine's Day is just around the corner, I rounded-up some tutorials to help you add a little DIY to your Valentine's outfit.

I love a simple T-shirt refashion, especially when it involves lace. Add a little lace heart where your actual heart is, or sew it to the back of the tee. Whichever you choose, it's just as cute.

Or, if you think a heart is a bit too mainstream, add some red fabric flowers to a T-shirt to make it just a tad more romantic.

Sewing is not your forte? Why not try fabric stamping. It's super easy, I promise. You could do a red dotted T-shirt, or make a heart stamp out of a sponge (similar to this) or potato and cover the tee with a cute heart pattern.

If you'r more set on wearing a pretty dress than a cute T-shirt, why not make a DIY accessory? Like this knitted bow. How lovely would this look in ruby red?

These crochet rose stud earrings are my favorite. Very feminine, and easier to make than they might look.

Or, make these waterfall earrings. No crochet-skills required.

Since hearts are still the ultimate Valentine's day trademark, here's a fun fabric heart brooch.

And, a pretty fabric flower brooch  I created for Oh, Everything Handmade a while back.

Last, but not least, make a knitted headband, just in case your super romantic boyfriend/fiance/husband insists on going star-gazing. What? It happens.

I hope your excited about making something tomorrow. I sure am! Although, it's not really Valentine's related since Rein and I are spending Valentine's in different countries this year. Nontheless, I'm in full creative mode. How about you? Do you special plans for V-day?

xo. Hanna

Favorite Finds // Use Today Wisely

I love // 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 //

That should be written on my forehead these days. I feel like every day should be an endless sea of possibilities to get things done, to get closer to your goals and to have a happier life. Which is why I hate a day wasted. But, unfortunately, there have been too many of those lately. Or, maybe I'm being too hard on myself. Maybe the things I manage each day are enough. But that doesn't mean I shouldn't view each new day as a new start, a new opportunity, a new chance to make things better.

We had the most beautiful sunny day today, and it filled me with energy I haven't felt a lot lately. I got a lot done, and some promising news (more on that to come). These are the good days.

How is your weekend going?

xo. Hanna

10 Pretty DIY Lace Projects

It' no secret that lace is my material of choice. If I could, I'd add a lace detail to everything. Every time I'm telling Mari Krõõt about a new project, her first question is "Are you going to add lace to it?". And, yes, I'd that predictable. But, I do make an effort to include other materials as well.

Today, I thought I'd list some of my favorite lace projects.

The lace heart tee is one of the most popular projects of all time on Pearls & Scissors, and I'm still using it to date, so it's safe to say it's one of my personal favorites as well.

I've added lace to more than one skirt (like here and here), so this is still my go to method for embellishing a simple pencil skirt.

Sometimes, lace can give an old item a whole new life. This vintage curdoroy vest got a totally new image.

I wore this tee to shreds! For the longest time, it was my very favorite piece of clothing, and all it took to transform a simple t-shirt was a piece of lace fabric.

Lace is also very useful when you want to add length to a garment that's just a tad too short. It's how I fixed this blouse and my summer skirt as well.

The big sister of the lace heart tee is also one of my wardrobe staples. Can't wash it fast enough during the winter months.

One of the simplest lace projects I've ever done, but such a big impact. When in doubt, just add a lace collar.

This romantic lace tee is more of a commitment and needs some sewing skills, but it's so pretty it's worth the time and input.

Then again, if you're not big on refashions or sewing your own clothing, lace can still come in handy. Like when making custom shoelaces...

... or transforming a Pringles package into a pencil holder.

Hope this inspired you to bust out some lace and get creative.

xo. Hanna

Style Inspiration: Back to School

1 - dress // 2 - cardigan // 3 - shoes // 4 - socks // 5 - bag // 6 - necklace // 7 - hat

For today's post, I thought I'd try out something new. So, Modcloth contacted me and asked me to take part in their Uniquely You campaign. The task is to take one item they give you (in this case the Red, White, and Cute dress) and create an outfit around it using up to 7 other items from their shop. I'm not usually the type to spontaneously hop on a campaign train, but, since I haven't done an inspiration post in ages, I kind of liked the idea of giving it a try. 

This autumn is the first one in 20 years when I'm not going back to school. Yes, I've been in school for the last 20 years of my life. That's a lot! As much as I look forward to this new season in my life, I kind of miss the back-to-school feeling. I remember my first days in college. Everything was new and exciting and I felt so grown up, and, also, like everything was possible. Funny, I actually feel the same way right now, although I'm a little older, a few degrees smarter, and not in college anymore. If I was a little younger, and was going to college, this is the outfit I'd love to wear. Heck, I'd wear this outfit now.

To all those of you going back to school this year, what are you most looking forward to this school-year?
To those of you no longer in school, how has the September feeling changed for you?

xo // Hanna

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(This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click through and make a sale, I will earn a small profit. This does not affect my taste nor opinions.)

Friday Favorites: 5 Home DIYs to try

It's been a crazy day! (TGIF, my friends) Our favorite flatmate Mari Krõõt moved out today (sad face). With all that moving stuff around and trying to get re-organized I've caught a serious case of the nesting bug, which I doubt I'll recover in the near future. So, I thought I'd give you guys a break from all the wedding posts and share some awesome home DIY's I've found on the interwebs lately.

Kristy Murphy shares some serously cool graphics you can use for projects around the house. Add them to a pillow, or a coaster, or a canvas.

 I love love love these watercolor coffee cups from Poppytalk. I'd love to add a couple of those to our collection.

 Now, this idea of using buckets as shelving is ingenious! And, it looks great on the wall. Perfect for the entryway! (I'm thinking of ways to ask my landlord to let me do this.)

 I'm considering adding some tea towels to our kitchen attire, and I'm liking these Shibori ones from Francois et Moi.

Last, but not least... One of my goals for the next few months is organizing my photos, and actually printing out some. I'm not sure how I'm going to display them, but I really like this idea of turning them into wall art that I saw on A Beautiful Mess.

Have a fun and creative weekend!
xo Hanna

Friday Favorites: DIY fun for the weekend

You know the feeling when a major exam is finally behind you and you're heart rate is back to normal? I successfully made it through 2 finals this week and I'm feeling such a big relief, I just want to spend my weekend creating and enjoying myself. I think I've earned it :). So, I thought I'd share some fun DIY ideas with you so we could be creative together.

1. I love the armcandy Kinsey made. I'm not sure my arms are made for wearing it, but I would sure want to try, because it looks so awesome on her.

2. Cat person or not, this is a great method for making cute prints to spice up a boring tee. I've been meaning to try out potato stamping for ages, and this tutorial reminded me to put it on my to-do list.

3. If there anything I can't resist, it's lace and floral. I love this shoe makeover from Tea Rose Home!

4. It's colorful and has a musical charm, so I'm sold of course. You can find the tutorial here.

5. If you're looking for an easy-to-make tote bag to carry all your summer gear, this is the tutorial to try.

I hope you're inspired to make and create this weekend! Have fun!