Sarah Hearts

I’m a big fan of cupcakes. I think it’s because I’m a big fan of cake and small things. They are the perfect combination of my loves. So in honor of the cupcake, here’s a free customizable template to make your own cupcake toothpick toppers.

They are perfect for weddings, birthdays, or just because. The Word template includes the red hearts shown above. It also has a place for you to type in whatever you please. I made the ones above with our wedding date. You could add your initials, monogram, age, or anything else you wish.

I used the free font, Later On. I posted step-by-step directions here.

Download the Word Toothpick Topper template.

All photos and template by me.

Welcome to my new site! Please take a look around and let me know what you think. I decided to lay it out based on your feedback– making the blog the most accessible page and featuring the most popular categories right there at the top. I will be making small edits and adding new content throughout the coming month. If you have any sugguestions, please let me know. I appreciate your feedback.

I thought it would be fitting to launch my site re-design with a festive color palette. Today’s palette is inspired by Confetti System’s awesome crape paper decorations. They use unique color palettes to create interesting party decor.

Special thanks to my husband, Kevin for coding the site. I couldn’t have done it without you.

Photo by Confetti System. Color palette by me.

It’s always intriguing to peak into other designer’s workspaces. It’s kinda like taking a peak into their mind, their creative process. We all have a unique way of working and contractuing our workspaces. The studio/office above is from Scout’s Honor Co., a stationery studio in Vermont.

I love how the dark slate walls are contrasted with the bold white trim. It’s neat to see how to otherwise neutral room if filled with color by the materials and sketches that are scattered throughout.

Today’s DIY tutorial is inspired by my friends. Recently, a few of them asked if I know how to make fabric roses. I’ve seen them everywhere but hadn’t tried making these before. These little rosettes are popping up in weddings, hair accessories, bags and jewelry. I decided to give it a try and they are much easier to make than they may seem. You only need a few types of craft supplies and the possibilities are endless. They can be embellished with pearl beads or feathers and would make the cutest bridal hairpiece.

1. For a 2″ rose, start with a 3″ x 22″ strip of fabric. I’m using unbleached cotton muslin.

2. Fold the fabric in half lengthwise. Then tie a loose knot at one end.

3. Tuck the short end into the knot.

4. Take the longer end and fold it downward. Then began wrapping it around the knot.

5. Keep folding the fabric downward as you wrap it around the knot. Repeat this until you get to the end. Trim the end of the fabric if it is fraying.

6. Once you are done, flip it over and using hot glue, adhere a round piece of fabric to the back. This will help it stay together.

7. Use the hot glue in between some layers to help it stay flat.

Then you’re done! You can add other details, such as pearls, beads, feathers, and lace and use them how you wish.

For some DIY inspiration and supplies (including high heat glue guns) check out Factory Direct Craft.

Are you tired of seeing birds in art and design? You may think they are overused as they are popping up in home decor and fashion too, but I’m still a fan. There’s something so simple yet elegant about these creatures that I find fascinating. Here are some affordable fine art prints that I wouldn’t mind displaying in my home.

1. Feathered Folk Print by Crayonfire Prints | 2. Lovebirds by In a Luxe | 3. Old-Fashioned Bird Cages by Annie Bach | 4. Love Birds by Pictorial Boom | 5. Follow Your Passion by Kathy Panton

This color palette is so subdued it will work in any room in the house. It provides hints of nature and would look great in a cosy cottage office or dining room. The dreamy photo makes me think of rustic, painted furniture in soft monochromatic palettes. Where would you use this color palette?

Photo by .natasha. Color palette by me.

Many students went back to school this week so I thought I would put together a little idea board for college students. I remember when I moved into my first apartment at college. I was so excited to decorate it and make the space my own. So here are a few ideas for your room, whether you’re moving into a dorm room or an apartment, that are fun and functional!

1. Trellis 3-Drawer Cart, $19.99 | 2. Brocade Wall File, $29.99 | 3. Woodland Garden Duvet Cover, $69-79 | 4. Polo Desk Chair, $199 | 5. Starburst Rug, $62.99 | 6. Laundry Box, $29.99

This summer my brother’s good friend’s Jeff and Laura got married in Orlando. Both the ceremony and reception took place at Leu Gardens, a beautiful garden in Orlando. Laura was kinda enough to send over some photos of her gorgeous purple, jewel-toned wedding. Their simple wedding was filled with galerous, handmade touches like her unqiue bouquet, that Laura said, “was made by my mom out of vintage brooches and the bridesmaid’s were made with ribbon and reclaimed fabric/buttons by a Tallahassee “eco” artisan.” Such a unique idea! I love how these fabric and button bouquets will last forever.

The flower girl held a floral and ribbon wand rather than a basket of rose petals. This really creates such a whimsical look and matches the bridesmaids bouquets so well. They also added another handmade touch by creating a beautiful collage of photos in memory of loved ones and displayed it in the reception area.

Laura, thanks for sharing your gorgeous wedding!

Photos by Terri Smith Photography, Pantone color board by me.

I have been thinking about getting more tattoos for over a year now. I would like a large, colorful monarch butterfly, in memory of my grandmother and the word’s “little willow,” for the Paul McCartney song by the same name, that is very special to my dad and I. I would also like a crafting/design piece that incorporates illustrator, sewing, and painting. I’m just having a difficult time figuring out where I want them. I collected several images of tattoos that I find beautiful/love the placement of. Do you have any suggestions on placement?

1. via loveatfirstblush.blogspot.com, 2. via Pinterest, source unknown, 3. via weheartit.com, 4. via Sometimes Sweet, 5. via Pinterest, source unknown, 6. via A Beautiful Mess, 7. via bdunlap.blogspot.com, 8. via Sometimes Sweet, 9. via loveatfirstblush.blogspot.com.

I am absolutely loving today’s color palette! I am a huge fan of patterned fabric. I realized how much I heart prints this weekend. When I returned home after shopping I emptied the shopping bag on the bed and every single item was a floral pattern. So naturally I adore the image above. I like the use of florals and geometric shapes as they create a visual rhythm that’s just lovely.

Color palette by me. Image and dress by Kenzo.