Editor’s Note: You’ll notice that this week’s Top Twelve format is a bit unique; our featured reader, Ashley Ann, is a professional photographer and supplied her own lovely images–and we wanted to share them in a larger format for you to enjoy! -Kristin
My Top Twelve favorite things for getting creative and crafty:
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1. Flea Market Finds: Nothing gets my creativity flowing like finding something from years past and discovering a way to give it life again. Sources: local flea markets, estate sales, antique stores, etsy.com
2. Baker’s Twine: I love how baker’s twine can make something very simple transform into something unique and different. Source
3. Vintage Fabric: Old handkerchiefs, quilt pieces, napkins, linens and aprons have such delicate details in them. There are so many ways to use these for modern craft projects. Source: same as #1
4. Paint: Whether it is craft paint, spray paint, acrylic or fabric paint, it is a key tool for transforming just about anything. Source: Hobby Lobby
5. Vintage Tablecloths and Doilies: I can’t seem to get enough of either of these. Paper doilies are a fun addition when wrapping gifts as well. Source: same as #1
6. My Camera: No creative project is complete without using it to create with or to capture what was crafted.
7. Japanese Masking Tape: This is such a versatile product and comes in so many different colors and designs. I’ve used it for all kinds of projects, including dressing up basic white roller shades. Source
8. Glue: Specifically Mod Podge and Acrylic Sealer –I can’t imagine crafting without them. Source: Hobby Lobby
9. Embroidery Thread: I don’t embroider, but I use the thread in numerous projects. There are endless colors available. Source: Hobby Lobby
10. MomAgenda: With four small children, I must plan creative/crafting times. My daily planner helps me keep track of what I need to pick up and keeps me intentional about getting creative time. Source
11. Scrapbooking Paper: There are so many designers coming up with great paper now. I am not a scrapbooker, but I use the paper for limitless amounts of crafting. My current favorite lines are by Amy Butler. Source: Hobby Lobby
12. Coffee: Crafting time is ‘me time,’ and I like to enjoy it fully while sipping a little (or big) caramel latté.
I am married to my best friend and I am relishing life as a mom to four amazing kids (boys 2, 4, 6 and a 10-month-old-girl). I spend my days buried in Legos, dirt, and crafting supplies. I write a blog, Under the Sycamore,…it used to be a place to give my photography clients sneak peeks of their sessions….now it is something totally different. I was created to live on a tropical island, but somehow ended up in Oklahoma. I am passionate about raising my kids to celebrate how unique God made each of them and how that uniqueness can impact their world. I wish Mac would create a way that I could sit outside in the sun sipping sweet tea and still be able to clearly see my laptop screen. – Ashley Ann
Blog: Under the Sycamore
$500 GIVEAWAY!!
To celebrate the launch of the new Domestic Ease Community forum, we are giving away a $500 Pottery Barn gift card to one lucky reader, chosen by random.org.
To Enter: Leave a comment on any article today through midnight CST July 15th OR become a member of our community forum, which launched July 1st.
Winner: Readers can enter as many times as they like, by either leaving a comment on any article OR by joining our community forum. Winner will be announced on Saturday, July 17th at 5:00 am CST as part of the Top Twelve article. Good luck!
photos Ashley Ann Photography
I love Ashley’s blog! She is so inspiring. So glad she pointed me in your direction. Love this site already!
I enjoy reading AshleyAnn’s blog each day. I have even borrowed a few of her ideas.
Ashley is super fabulous and she doesn’t even know it-She is creative and witty and I love being encouraged by her either through her pics or creative things!
joy
I love Ashley Ann’s blog. So creative and fun. it’s on the ‘daily’ list.
Great giveaway!
Great inspiration! Ashley’s blog is one of my daily reads
i love her blog!!!! have been a subscriber for a while.
oh what a beautiful list! made by a true creative.
After following Ashley’s blog for a while, I would love to get a closer look at that planner…I don’t accomplish anywhere near as much and I don’t even have children at home
I love Ashely’s blog and this site is great too!
Great post. I’m a big fan of Ashley’s!
*crosses fingers for the gift card*
I read Ashley every day – I am in love with her children! Especially firecracker! I feel like I know her kids and wish I had them in Sunday School or something like that!
I love these ideas. thanks for the inspiration!
ashley rocks! and i read her blog everyday too!
I love her Photos. they always make me happy.
Ashley Ann is inspiring in so many ways!
Wow! Yes please!
I love Ashley’s site!! <3 Thanks for the chance to win!
I love Ashley’s blog! Her posts are so inspiring and the photos are amazing!
I love Ashley Ann. She’s always full of such great ideas. And now, thanks to this, I see that I need a MomAgenda:). My husband will love that…hehe.
I loved the post and I love reading Ashley Ann’s blog, so inspiring!
LOVE Ashley! She does such great stuff, always has the most creative ideas!
What fantabulous ideas – love them all!
Love Ashley’s blog, so beautiful and creative.
I am a religious follower of Ashley’s blog. I am always inspired by all of her creative ideas!
I read Ashley’s blog daily and I love her style and the inspiration I get from her! I hope I win the gift card…pottery barn is my favorite store of all!!!
I am so glad that I stumbled across Ashley’s blog. It’s the only one that I check daily. She is so talented and inspirational!
LOVE ashley ann. she inspires me everyday.
LOVE pottery barn… also inspires me every day!
ashley’s blog is one of my very favorites! i visit her and her little corner of the internet every day!
Ashley’s blog is so inspiring – I have gotten some great simple craft ideas as well as awesome ideas on things to do with my kids!
I love Ashley’s blog…I follow it everyday. She’s such an inspiring and creative lady!
I need to transplant some relatives to Georgia so I can have time to go antique shopping! What a great twelve.
Ashley’s blog is always a daily read! I absolutely love her photography!
I love Ashley’s site and pictures!
beautiful photos, spirited kiddos, amazing home and momma! love ashley’s blog. one of the most inspiring on the net. hands down.
Love Ashley’s blog and love this post!
I love Ashleyann blog. I love her DIY, her pictures and the way she care her adorables children.
17 is my birthday, this could be an excellent gift he he he
my favorite blogger on the web! love her!
I love Ashley’s blog– she shares such beautiful photos and creative ideas.
I love Ashlie Ann’s blog and I am so happy I’ve found your website as well.
I’ve always loved her blog, now I can add this one to my daily design blog obsession!
I love Ashley’s blog!
I love Ashley’s blog and her ideas. She’s my kind of girl…coffee and crafting!
i check out ashely ann’s blog
even BEFORE my first sip of coffee…
i know! i can hardly believe it myself but
it is just THAT fabulous!
thanks for the sa-weet offer!
i’m so inspired by her. i love her style and creativity!
Love that Japanese masking tape…oh the possibilities!
I love Ashley’s blog! It’s one of my top 12.
I love Ashley and her blog. I take so many of her ideas and try them in my own home. Love it!
great great blog! she is so creative! good luck to her…
one of my favorite bloggers! and july 15th is my bday—surely i should win this
I love the creativity Ashley finds amidst raising 4 kids! The journal is a great idea! She does an awesome job, but remains humble, which is what I love about her. Glad she pointed me here…looks like I will be spending plenty of time here as well! Thanks!