Practice Being Creative

Braided Rope Necklace Tutorial via A Beautiful Mess

I took some time out the other night to just play around with materials. I've collected some really fun things - rope, sequins, beads, thread, chains, ribbons, and lace - but I never really do anything with it. 

When I was creating jewellery to sell, I was always making things with the intention of selling them. And gradually, it became more about the selling and less about just creating something really unique. 

Not surprisingly, I grew bored of making things that way. I could never find the inspiration, and I didn't want to do it anymore. I'd put so much pressure on myself to create sellable products, that I lost the joy I'd initially found in creating.

So I put a hold on creating. I took a break and turned my attention elsewhere. It was a break I needed - a chance to recharge.

Lately, the urge to create has come creeping back. It's a feeling I've missed, and I'm looking forward to nurturing it.

I carved a few hours out the other night and sat down with my materials. I play around and tried out a few DIY tutorials. Some things I made were really random and I'll probably dismantle them later to reuse the materials. But there was one piece in particular I really liked - a green braided rope necklace. 

I've worn that necklace quite a bit since I've made it, and I've come to realise that if I enjoy making something then I'm probably going to enjoy using it!

On Pinterest I've got an entire board dedicated to things I want to make and I'm going to start attempting some of those tutorials. Some pieces might turn out great and others might be a disaster (I'll share all of them!) but I'm looking forward to just creating for the fun of it. 

We'll see where this leads :)

Have you got any DIY ideas that you've done before, or you'd like to try? What sort of things do you like to make?

Words // Be A Beginner

Print by Be Happy

Yes yes yes. How true is this?

We all start from somewhere. Those people that you look up to now that are killing it? They're just further along in their journey than you, that's all. 

If you want to be good at something, then go ahead and try it. The first time you might suck, and that's okay. Just try again. And again (and again) and don't stop trying. 

And then when you start being really awesome at it, keep going! Don't ever stop learning and growing (it's what keeps life exciting!)

Find something you love and just stick with it. 

Personally, I want to practice my drawing, and my baking, and my writing. What do you want to learn?

Love List #17

This week has been amazing. On Monday I flew up to Auckland to attend a few lectures by Yasmin Mogahed, a speaker from the US. It was such an uplifting experience! She speaks with so much beauty and wisdom. I took pages and pages of notes, and I'm looking forward to reflecting on everything.

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LINKS

+ Why you should write daily. I really want to create a habit out of this. Writing allows me to reflect so much more on life and it really brings clarity.

+ I'm interested in so many different things and I have a hard time figuring out what I want to do. I enjoyed this post from Moorea Seal on how she became a jewelry designer

+ Lisa always has brilliant and cohesive graphics on her blog - here's her guide to creating your own

+ How to make cheap clothes look nice (or at least not cheap)

+ There are some seriously chic hijabis out there!

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What are your plans for this weekend? I'm going to be spending my time studying for my final Arabic test next week. Wish me luck!

Colour Theory // Cosy Neutrals

Photo: Happily Grey

One of my favourite colours to wear is brown. I never thought I'd say that, but it's true! I love how many shades it comes in, varying from camel to tan to cream. It's such a versatile neutral, and provides the perfect blank canvas to bring in other pops of colour.

We're heading into Fall here - the days are shorter, rainy days are becoming more frequent, and suddenly I'm needing to wear more than one pair of socks at a time. 

I love the elements in this outfit; It's so easy to interpret into many different styles. A cosy knit paired with layers - it's the perfect Fall outfit. And can we talk about those pants? I'm a sucker for wide-leg pants! These have a slouchy vibe to them which just adds to the comfort appeal. 

What do you like to wear on those cooler days that call for comfy clothes?