DIY: Potted Pens

A DIY at last!  Just in time for mother's day too. This is a chic update on the elementary school classic.  Last year I made the cute pens and they've lived on my desk at work ever since.  But recently I was thinking of another way to display them (they were in a boring ol' pen cup) since they're cute little succulents. I remembered Mother's day being right around the corner and  I know I made at least one potted pen for my mom in third grade.  But also perfect for anyone with a desk anyone in need of something adorable with still a great amount of functionality.  And the saucer? Repurposed with paper-clips and post-its, it was a pure spark of genius (normally I'm much more modest than this).  

If you're anything like me.... you're particular about your writing instruments... ball point pens need to be write smooth and have dark ink, roller ball pen... I won't even get into it...  Because I love my pens so dearly, I really dislike when they disappear; someone borrows one, uses one on your desk and *POOF* it's gone forever.  

For the pen diy click here.

For the assembly of the pot, all you need is: 

one 4" pot, the height of your pens ideally
5" saucer, room for the clips and small post-its 
2 bags of pebbles, can also use aquarium colored rocks
paint, to decorate the pot (not done in this diy, but your pot can be totally customized!)

What are you making your mom for mother's day? 

Happy making!

xx,

P.S. I Made This... #cincoDIYmayo

The cake I won! 

Add @psimadethis on Snapchat, she snapped me! 

Really excited for next Tuesday!   You can still snag a ticket for Monday or Tuesday. 

Will update after the event of course! 

UPDATE

The event was incredibly fun.  Everything I expected and more!  Next time she or any diy-er has an event, you must go!!! 

xx, 

April: National Letter Writing Month

It may be the end of the month and April may have been deemed by the United States Post Office as National Letter Writing Month but it's never too late to write a letter to a dear friend.  I love sending and receiving letters, though I send more than I receive.  Which is totally fine!   But what I decided to do this time, was write letters to my friend's children and my nieces.  I included in their letter a return notecard, addressed and stamped!  This will, I hope, encourage them to write and hopefully value the pen-to-paper messaging.   

I also sent some cards to my girlfriends with some *endearing* messages.   I'm hoping that this inspires others to pick up a pack or 3 of those note cards in the Target dollar section (no one can resist that section, amirite?!) or splurge on a beautiful set of notecards from Paper Source and write!  You definitely don't have to write a whole letter, a message can be as simple as "Thinking of you", "Thanks for being the best", or "Date soon?".  I also try to send cards when I see something to be congratulated, thanked or a get well sentiment to a friend. 

I encourage picking up a book of stamps and keeping them handy for random card sending.   Or if you have a basket, box or tub, make your very own "letter writing kit" to keep you encouraged to write.  Ideal items for said kit: mailing stamps, stickers, note cards, pens, markers, confetti (for filling cards!), your address book* (important to keep up to date, or use your phone contact list), ink pads, decorative stamps, maracas? (more on this later) and any other paper goods.  

Together, let's start the #snailmailrevolution! 

xx, 

Weekend Happenings No. 1

Happy Monday!  

This weekend was so lovely I decided to share and make it a semi regular thing (we'll see how this goes...).   I ended my Friday with a pot of soup and a quick project.  I put a plant in R2D2!  If you've had the popcorn in Tomorrowland at Disneyland you'll recognize the container... I saved it and for a few weeks knew I wanted to put a plant in it.  

Saturday I celebrated my middle school's 15th anniversary or Quinceañera, really, that's what it was.  So I reminisced and looked at my scrapbook.  I ended the day spending some quality time with my parents.  

Sunday I dedicated to Artisanal LA as a volunteer.  I scanned people in, put on wristbands (got a lot of compliments for my nails), helped speakers giving talks set up, womaned the info table and anything else they needed me to do.   I didn't miss my opportunity to shop when I got a break.  

I rewarded myself with a churro ice cream sandwich..... mint and chip ice cream...... 

And ended the night with playing cards and enjoying this delicious jam I got at Artisanal.  

It was all perfect. 

xx, 

Artisanal LA *See you there*

I will be volunteering all day on Sunday!  Stop by if you're free!  If you've never heard of it... 

The Reef will transform into an eco-foodie showcase featuring over 150 local vendors, including artists, authors, chefs, wares and more- which means you can sample some beef jerky while learning about aquaponics from the experts. This community festival showcases the best of American-made, small-batch, handmade food, drink and wares from talented, independent makers for a weekend of tasting, shopping and experiencing the best of Los Angeles and beyond.

Some of the weekend highlights include more than 60 vendors making their debut; a DIY bitters station; how to keep backyard chickens; a leather-coaster-making workshop; tomato hybrids in the urban farm pop-up; a Milk and Cookies corner; DIY terrariums; and Life & Thyme’s Lounge ft Copa Vida and plenty of shopping for Mom. Just be sure to come hungry: Artisanal LA offers samples of meats, frozen treats, chocolaty confections, baked goods and more. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free (and even pet friendly!) selections will be available making the event equally satisfying for all.

 via the Artisanal LA Spring Show page

There are 2 vendors I met a few weeks ago that I am looking forward to seeing, Viva Los Cupcakes and Erva, fair-trade, organic yerba mate blends.  

Tickets are also discounted on Goldstar! 

xx,