::reuse::

I'm guilt of going to the grocery store (every store, really) without reusable bags. Every time I get home I kick myself for adding more plastic bags to this one large cabinet in the kitchen. It's overflowing + embarrassing. Flô di Pá sure makes it look pretty to go a little greener.

source via Previously Owned

::everyday plastic made cool::

Aren't these painted plastic bottles neat? LEIF has transformed dish detergent, motor oil, yoghurt and lotion bottles into pretty (and eco-friendly) flower vases. I love 'em. How about a little DIY project for the long weekend?

::who needs a tent?::

Last weekend, J and I slept outdoors. The moon was full and the breeze kept away all the mosquitoes-- it was wonderful. Now, I find myself planning camping trips for the next two weekends {we're pretty avid campers}. Although we only have a silly tent, how lovely would it be to settle into one of these amazing outdoor settings?

One day...

image sources: 1 2 3

::out & about::

The weather has been beautiful the past few days here {apologies to any of you who aren't experiencing the same}. I've made it a priority to spend as much time outdoors as possible. Perhaps a skydive or two. And hopefully I can get some sun, after being layered up for months, to wear pretty dresses like these.

sources: 1 2 3

::serene::

images from Cuba Gallery on Flickr

::ReStyle // week 1::

{...delayed, but just in the nick of time for week 1...}

6 petals is all about being unique.

I was excited to read about Project ReStyle, “a just-for-fun creative group focused on ReStyling damaged, unwanted or unusable goods into fresh, beautiful pieces” {from A Beautiful Mess & Smile and Wave}.

It’s a great way to find something’s hidden potential. This week’s ReStyle starts with a plain vine wreath {available at thrift stores and garage sales*
*I find them at local thrift stores and garage sales, and it's easy to take off most old embellishments-- maybe you could use them for another project...}

1. You’ll need:
• Vine wreath (any size)
• Various fabric
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun & glue
• Needle and thread (optional)
• Wreath hanger, hook or nail

2. First, make the fabric flower

3. Cut round-petaled shapes {*tip: fold the fabric so you cut two or three at a time…for efficiency ;)}

4. Separate the flower cut-outs

5. Gather one fabric flower in the center of the shape and scrunch.

6. Repeat with the other fabric flower {feel free to gather two, three, four…you get it…
flowers. I used a needle and thread to connect the group of flowers.

7. Add a drop of hot glue to an under layer and place flower base (where it’s gathered with
thread) on wreath.

Continue to add as many flowers as you want, in random areas. Mix fabrics and sizes for a pretty, colorful home decoration. Use the wreath hanger for over a door, or choose a nice area on the wall.

One down, 51 to go. Thanks, Elsie & Rachael, for letting us share some creativity (some here and here).

::free printable gift tags::

image courtesy of Camilla Engman

With all of the gift buying, it's easy to forget about the gift wrapping. This is one of my favorite parts of giving presents. I've always helped my mom wrap family gifts {mostly hoping to sneak a peak at mine ;) Unfortunately, she's a very good hider!}

There are so many clever, and rather simple, ideas for making your gift look even more special. Have no fear, I'm here to help.

First up, are free printable gift tags from Swedish artist Camilla Engman. There's something about Scandinavians-- they're all so darn creative! I stumbled upon her beautiful blog and can't wait to tie these beauties on pretty boxes. I'd use hemp or decorative twine (available at most arts & crafts stores). For best results, print on white cardstock for better quality and stability.

Download these adorable gift tags here, too!

::handmade, vintage, local::

I'm stunned that Christmas is right around the corner. Everywhere I look there are bright strands of colorful lights, plastic reindeer, and Evergreens on top of mini vans in route to their new home. So, of course, I'm getting excited to shop (it's true, I haven't started my Christmas shopping yet). And who could forget the inevitable 'Tacky Christmas Sweater Party'. You can't hate a theme party. Get ready to spike that hot chocolate {peppermint schnapps does the trick}...

To mix it up this year, I've decided to add a few limiting factors to my Christmas purchases. I vow to buy only gifts that are:

1. handmade - crafted by me or someone else for a one-of-a-kind gift
2. vintage - the dictionary defines vintage, "of lasting interest and importance; venerable; classic"
3. local - there are a handful of shops I can count on in my area. Gotta support local businesses :)

You see, I've been planning this for a while. With 6 petals, a slew of super talented Etsy artists and vintage sellers, and a few local stores, I'll find the goods.

In the meantime, here are some favorites that fit into these three categories:

handmade goods

{Like this pink flower crocheted necklace from 6 petals Etsy shop. {{more to come}} }

vintage goods

{Like this "Eever-so-pretty" ceramic creamer. Will be in the shop SOON.}


local goods

1. m.marie for holiday dresses, handbags, jewelry...everything --my sister will thank me ;)
2. Lasater Flowers & Gifts for some holiday (flower) cheer!
3. This one's on my Christmas list...Groundwork Yoga. Om.
4. La Vida Dolce. They have the neatest gold reptile cast mold ring of all time, I need it! Did you hear that Santa?!
   

Here's the catch: having everything wrapped by Dec. 24th. My Christmas cards are made, so that's a start!

::b&w beach::

Home is where the beach is.

I know it's mid-November, but that's why I love The Sunshine State. Here's some warm love. Happy Friday.

::studio table::

After visiting my hometown last weekend, I was excited to pop in to petite surprise. I'd heard about it from mom who happily picked up some items earlier this year. The shop owner, Molly Stracuzzi, and I played soccer together in high school-- I had no idea she shared the same love of vintage, antiques, and marketing!

I've been wanting to create a work table for my studio. I'm currently using a vintage sofa table but it's too tall and narrow. The plan: to use an old door and add natural wooden elements for legs. Luckily, I found this beautiful idea (to give me a better visual) and decided to look for a great pair of wooden saw horses. And, of course, found the most amazing pair, but with a $725 price tag, they're a bit out of my budget.

Oh, well. A nice piece of glass to top this old, blue wooden door from petite surprise, and attach the saw horses and it's done. A girl can dream...

It's a beautiful store, Molly! So glad I could stop by. For more about petite surprise, you can check out the blog.

saw horse image from Factory 20

::eco-friendly::

Green is sexy. For real, it is. This website provides tips to make an impact of our environment. They aim to spread the word and make a difference. "Green is sexy is about tiny changes, big impact."


Trendy or not, there's no getting around the fact that being eco-friendly/green/energy conserving/whatever you call it, isn't just about using less water and turning the air conditioning off when you're not home. There are so many things people can do every day to make a little difference. Don't get me wrong, I drive a car, wash enough clothing for 3 people, and love a nice, long, hot shower in the mornings. But...it's easy to do a little and make small changes in your daily routine to conserve. We don't all need to resort to tree-hugging communes. Although, I'd support you if you wanted to (looks pretty cute).

This is a major foundation for 6 petals using a mix of new with vintage items, recycled wood, remnant fabrics, and found treasures. There's no doubt that the quality is excellent and the visual appeal adds character and charm.

GREEN TIPS from 6 petals:

• Buy organic cleaners and health/beauty products. My father's has been hounding me for years about the dangers of Aluminum Zirconium, which is found in the popular antiperspirants. And, most soaps are made with detergents that can even be cancerous.


• Invest in a good water bottle. This one is a big pet-peeve of mine. Too many are purchasing cases of plastic water bottles only to be thrown away as quickly as thirst is quenched. Choose to refill and save money (and look good doing it-- there are so many great designs to choose from). Or, bring a glass to work instead of going through multiple Styrofoam cups at the water cooler.


• Buy local and/or handmade. And, pay attention to what you're buying. This reduces waste from expensive packaging and shipping costs, and it's a great way to support your community.


• Do something outdoors. My love of camping and hiking lets me enjoy the more simple things-- Mother Earth amazes me. It's cheap, good exercise, and fun with the right company. Read a book in a hammock, bring your knitting needles to a local baseball game, doodle in your sketch book in the park, or ride a bike. Just relax once in a while without a cell phone, computer, radio, television, or iPod.

Share your green tips, too...