Neon Challenge

When I first got this neon fabric, for the Michael Miller Neon Challenge, I wasn't in love with the fabric. Honestly, I didn't like it at all. For starters, the fabric is literally saturated with color, so much so that it is VERY stiff! But after washing it (it's still stiff), it started to grow on me. 

For Bee PDX, I had started working on my first paper pieced star block. I was instantly hooked! I have been seeing more and more paper pieced stars pop up on blogs and pinterest, now I know why! They are so fun and once you learn the technique the possibilities are endless. Once I finished Ale's block, I didn't want to stop. So I ran out to Powell's and picked up this book that many people recommended. 

This block is the Alabama Star, I simplified it a bit, I found it made a bigger impact with less fabrics. Couldn't you just imagine a whole quilt of these? 

Featured // HGTV!

Finally, I can share! Over a month ago now, HGTV contacted me to share some of my photos from the Color-Blocked Neon Rope Basket that I was featured on Design*Sponge. We talked back and forth, and HGTV wanted more ideas on how to incorporate neon into home decor. It is the trend of the season! ;) 

I wanted to make the most of the opportunity, so I brainstormed a bunch of ideas and asked a good friend of mine, Kate from Portland Flea, to see if I could do a little photo shoot at her house. We had a blast and I think the photos came out really well! 

In the end, the "feature" was three photos included in a article entitled "20+Ways to Decorate Your Home with Neon", but I'm more than thrilled to have been a part of the process and I learned loads throughout this process. The article consists of 21 different ideas and photos, scroll through the slide show and you can find my three photos that I contributed. 

Here's a few of the photos that didn't make it and a little more about the process. 

I knew that I wanted to make something for this photo shoot, so I got to work at piecing together a little pillow. I chose a vibrant neon pink and some neutrals. and pieced together an improvisational log cabin block. The vase was a last minute idea. I had bought some knee highs from Target and I loved the look of them. I wanted to include them but at first I couldn't figure how... finally I tried out putting the sock on a vase and I loved the look! Cut off the foot of the sock, and viola! 

Finally, here is a bigger shot of the dining room table set-up. This was my favorite part. I loved making the table decorations and setting the table. It made me what have dinner parties! Now if only I could get the cooking part down... ;) 

Make sure to check out HGTV's article. 

Glittered Eggs // Living Martha Stewart Living

April's issue of Martha Stewart Living is full of great ideas for Easter. It contains lots more craft ideas (sorry March, there wasn't much to do from your issue!). To kick it off, here's a great little do it yourself project with neon glitter! What could be better?

First, dye the eggs a variety of colors. I used a simple dying kit that I bought at Target, the cups made it uber convient. Using a paintbrush, brush craft glue onto the egg. Tacky glue works great! With a piece of paper underneath the egg, pour glitter over the entire egg, making sure to get every spot! Let dry for 30 minutes. 

Enjoy your glittered eggs!

Featured on Design*Sponge!

Today I'm truly over the moon! I'm so excited to share this DIY color blocked rope basket that is currently featured on Design*Sponge. It's truly led me to reflect back. D*S was the first blog I ever read, and it inspired me to start my own blog. I'm truly inspired by the team of professional creative, and entrepreneurial spirit of Grace Bonney, Kate Pruitt, and the whole d*s team! To contribute has long been a dream of mine, so when Kate asked if I'd consider contributing at Alt, I jumped at the chance. It took a lot of work to decide on the final method and product, but I'm loving how it finally turned out. Special thanks to Courtney Smith for helping me and being an amazing photographer! Click here to see the whole tutorial.

To those of you visiting here for the first time, I hope that you'll stay awhile, peruse through my previous tutorials and posts, and consider subscribing. Thanks for stopping by!