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
Ashley’s blog is my favorite read. Very inspiring. Thanks for the great post!
Thanks for sharing! I just found your blog and I am SO making that headband!!
I enjoy Ashley Ann’s blog–so creative.
I don’t know why but I’m always amazed at what Ashley comes up with. Looking at her blog is a highlight of my day.
Love me some Ashley Ann… great mom, great crafter, great communicator… thanks for the awesome top 12!
Ashley’s blog is a daily read for me. Such creative ideas, and her kids are the cutest!
I love Ashley’s blog. She is such an inspiration for moms and her photos are amazing!!
Agreed! I just love Ashley’s blog. She inspires so many great projects
Ashley ann’s blog is one of my favs. I gotta say, her creativity is contagious in a good way!
Love this!
this is fantastic! i heart her work and love of color.
Great site. Thank you.
Ashley Ann is one of my favorites!
love this. thanks for sharing!
Love Ashley’s site- it is one of two blogs I check everyday as I always feel encouraged and inspired by her words and pictures.
I love to see what things people cannot live without. It helps that I love reading her blog.
I love everything about Ashley’s blog. Her ideas are fabulous and her pictures always tell a story.
love her blog and the beautiful photos! inspiring projects, too
I love mason jars and that they are in style – Ashley’s photography is great!
I love reading Ashley Ann’s site, such wonderful inspiration and helps us all grab that inner-creativity inside us!!
I recently found Ashley’s blog and love it! I love her mix of enjoying family/motherhood and creativity.
Ashley has the best blog/website. She is so creative!!!
Thanks for the info. about Japanese Masking Tape, it looks really cool.
I will be checking out your blog: Under the Sycamore.
Thanks,
CJ
treehouse.queen18(atyahoodotcom)
community id: hudsonviewcrossing
I love Ashley Ann’s blog. Thanks for featuring her here!
i love ashleyann. love her blog. love her creativity.
If i lived in Oklahoma, she and i would be friends! I love everything she listed!
great feature .. lovin that huge pic of those work boots!
I’ve just discovered your blog – it’s great!
I’ve always enjoyed looking at your blog, your images are amazing.
Beautiful! We have similar inspirations…I’m loving all the vintage fabrics you posted, and may need to develop a new obsession
Off to check out your blog…
I love Ashley’s photography, this post was beautiful.
I agree with you about the laptop. I hope Apple gets on that one soon!
love getting a glimpse into this precious lady’s life. fabulous. melissa.
I so wish I could take pictures like that!!!
I stumbled upon Ashley Ann’s blog about a half-year ago, and I’ve been hooked ever since! She inspires me so much each time I get on her site! Thanks for the rosey outlook, the fantastic photography and crafts, and fun family ideas!!!
I LOVE Ashley! Her blog is awesome! I love her enthusiasm and wittiness in her own way. She is very talented and I enjoy her DIY posts. I live in Oklahoma so I def. need to make friends with this awesome lady!
I love Ashley’s blog. She is the craftiest. Thanks
This article was great. I love Ashley Ann’s passion and go-getter spirit–it shows in everything she does. And her kids are cuties!
I love to look at her blog! Her photos are amazing.
I love Ashley’s blog! Her ideas and top twelve are so inspiring!
I am a big fan of Ashley’s blog…she has brought so much inspiration to my home…and my endeavor to take better pictures!:)
Greatness! I loved reading blog, too! (especially seeing the pallet bed…so many beautiful and talented moms out there!)
Hi, really awesome site. Many thanks for taking the time to make these compelling blogposts
nice sharing, thanks a lot !
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