Sarah Hearts

Happy Monday! I hope you’re having a great day. The past week ended up being really crazy (I will post my weekly Instagram update soon) so here’s a little color  inspiration  while I’m away. It’s inspired by this lovely sleeveless top by Free People. Wouldn’t it be lovely to paint a room the eggplant purple-gray and fill it with warm, yellow and deep pink accessories. Add a touch of shimmery hold and it’s oh-so-lovely. How would you use this color palette?

{Color palette by me}

On Sunday I hosted the first Crafternoon of the year! This month’s project was to make foam stamps then use them to decorate cotton tote bags. I planned on having the party in our backyard, since we recently got a large brick paver patio installed. The weather was’t cooperating, so we started outside and about half way through the party has to relocate into our not-so-spacious home. Everyone was a huge help moving everything so quickly as the rain came (again).

I made everyone name tags so they could get acquainted. I used scraps and supplies I had on hand, and I love the way they came out. So much, that I will try to make a tutorial this week!

I made simple table decorations by reusing (clean) metal cans. I simply spray painted them white, then wrapped a piece of washi tape around them. Filled with some water and a couple fresh cut daisies. After the party, I placed these little cans of flowers throughout the dining and living room. They might become a more permanent fixture. There’re really cute, don’t you think?

Who doesn’t love party favors? For the crafty kid in us, I made little take home cross stitch kits. I will post the pattern and direction cards soon.

Here’s one of the tables right before we started and the rain came!

Everyone brought delicious sweet and savoy treats!

Once the rain started, we moved inside… and just kept crafting!

Here are a few of the bags that were made. I love how each one is so different! Thanks so much to everyone that came. I had a lovely little Crafternoon with you!

What would you like to make next Crafternoon? Please comment and let me know.

{Photos by me}

I hope you’re having a great Monday! Here’s my weekly Instagram photo roundup. This week was busy! We’ve been making a few little changes to our house (like updating outside lighting fixtures and door knobs). Here’s a peak at what else I was up to this week.

I made a cross stitched family portrait (minus Justin, my horse). I love the way it came out! It was so fun to make too.

I framed the portrait and put it on our dining room buffet. I also finished touching up the chevron wall. I was a little unsure about it at first, but now both Kevin and I absolutely love it! I also made the chalkboard menu this weekend. I will post more detailed photos soon.

We started landscaping the backyard! I planted these along the west side of the house.

It seems like were go to Home Depot every weekend. This weekend we got a new door knob, wood for the chalkboard menu, and some organic lettuce seeds!

Yesterday I hosted the first Crafternoon of 2012! The weather was rainy and we had to move it inside, but it was still so much fun. I can’t wait until next month! I made these sign using my Silhouette Cameo and some white, adhesive vinyl.

{Photos by me. Taken on my iPhone}

Isn’t this cake the cutest? Not only does it look delicious, the color palette is so cheery and fun. I’ve been loving coral-y pinks for a while (as if you couldn’t tell by my site colors), I even have 2 shades of coral nail polish and coral lip gloss. I think sea foam, minty green is a perfect complement to coral. Add a little khaki and you have a modern, bright and inviting color palette.

{Photo and cake by Sprinkle Bakes. Color palette by me}

I hope you had a great weekend and that your Monday is off to a great start. Today I thought I would start sharing some photos I snapped on my iPhone using Instagram. For those of you who are unfamiliar Instragram, it’s an iPhone app that allows you to take square photos, add filters and such, and then publish them within their own social network, or share them via Facebook, Twitter, and more. If you have an iPhone, you can follow me (@sarahkhandjian). If you don’t, that’s ok, I will be sharing some of my Instagram photos o a weekly basis. I hope you enjoy seeing what else I’m up to outside of the blog.

Photo above: One of the many crape myrtle trees in our backyard. The leave are starting to sprout and show a glimmer of spring.

Kevin installed a new faucet in our guest bathroom. We had a ugly, never-looked-clean, retro faucet before.

I was inspired by this so I added a little washi tape to my keyboard. I love it.

We tried a new restaurant with our good friends, Eileen and Jared. For those of you local, it’s Truffles Grill in Winter Park. Food was good, the super fruit cooler I had was delicious.

Darcy found a new cozy spot to lay—under the dining room table.

Myself and a couple friends want to host a shower for our friend. I made this card to let her know.

{Photos by me. Taken on my iPhone}

If you walk around the mall or peak at Pinterest you may have noticed a new trend in the color—neon brights paired with natural hues. I’m loving the juxtaposition of the heavily saturated hues with organic textures. I thought I would bring a little neon into our kitchen so I painted the handles of wooden kitchen utensils.

There were really easy to make and only cost a couple dollars. Here’s what you’ll need to DIY:

• Masking or painters tape
• Wood kitchen utensils (I got all of these bamboo utensils at HomeGoods for a couple dollars)
• Acrylic paint in neon colors plus white
• Paint brush (a small foam one works great)

Place a piece of tape around the handle or wherever you want the colored section to end. Use the white paint and paint a base coat on the wooden utensil. Allow this to dry completely (if you’re impatient like I am, use a hair dryer to dry it in seconds) then paint the white area with the neon paint. You will need to apply 2-5 coats of the neon paint, depending on the color.

This would be a great, super affordable gift to give! I think it would make a lovely host/hostess gift, or a great house warming gift. Happy kitchen crafting!

{Photos and DIY by me}

If you’re planning a wedding you’re probably on the hunt for the perfect wedding attire, not only for you, but also your wedding party. When I got married in 2008, I chose a simple, sleeveless dress for my bridesmaids. Now, I’m seeing a lot more brides let their girlfriends select a dress that they love (and that flatters them!) while keeping within the wedding color palette.

I found a great selection of  mix and match bridesmaid dresses at David’s Bridal. I love the idea of picking one color (or many… think pastels, complementary colors, or floral patterns) to help unify your wedding. Each of your bridesmaids is unique, so why not let them wear something that shows off their style?

Do you prefer your bridesmaids to all wear the same dress or do you prefer different dresses in coordinating colors or patterns?

St. Patrick’s day is approaching so I thought I would put together a wedding inspiration board that’s inspired by the holiday! Here are a few lovely ways to add some emerald hues to your big day. I think the felted vines would be great for an outdoor dinner party too. I love the idea of having a monochromatic color palette. It can add diversity to the party, while maintaining a cohesive look. And the best part? You won’t drive yourself crazy  looking for the perfect shade of chartreuse!

1. Pinned here. / 2. via Amy Atlas. / 3. Pinned here via Google / 4. Pinned here via Google / 5. Crinkle Fans via BHLDN. / 6. Felted Foliage via BHLDN. / 7. via Style Me Pretty

Mark your calendars! The next Crafternoon is Sunday, March 11th from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.! If you’re in the Orlando area, you’re welcome to attend! This time we will be making foam stamps and using them to decorate cotton tote bags.

Bring your friends and a dish (something sweet or savory) to share with the group. I will supply beverages (wine, anyone?). This will take place in our backyard, weather permitting. Our home is located in east Winter Park (I will send you our address once you R.S.V.P.).

Want to go? Please R.S.V.P. here so I can buy supplies for you!

Cost: $5  This is to cover the cost of the supplies (You can bring cash or pay with a credit card).

So come on over, make something pretty and make new friends!

Here’s a little craft-spiration for the stamped tote bags!
1. Craftstylish
2. Unruly Things
3. & 4. The Sweet Spot
5. The Spotted Fox