Lately.

It’s been a while since I’ve been active on here and I just wanted to give you all an update. Spring has been in full force over here for a few weeks now even though it doesn’t officially start until later this month. The hubs and I started spring cleaning and I’m dreaming up how I want to start landscaping our yard this spring/summer. Nothing like spring to get you excited and inspired. I hung up our spring wreath a couple weeks back (a quick diy project for myself, results shown ) and it’s certainly keeps things spring-like around here, even when the weather is pretty blah for a bit. We have a few DIY home projects lined up and I’m hoping I’ll remember to take photos to show you guys the results. We’re excited to try new things out and I’m crossing my fingers for success.

pink blossoms

On the other hand, Henry has been suffering. His top teeth have been coming in for nearly a month now. He’s been having fevers on and off, mostly in the middle of nights. Needless to say, he’s cranky during the days and sleepless during the nights. We’re all exhausted and looking forward to having our little guy feeling comfortable and happy again. I’ve beens spending my days snuggling with him, taking him on outings outside, feeding him his favorite blackberries, napping with him with every nap time — anything to take his mind off the unhappy. The teeth finally broke through four days ago and I’m hoping the sensitivity and swelling will go down soon. I’m definitely looking forward to that break before the next set comes.

pink blossomspink blossoms

PS: Aren’t these cherry blossoms amazing? I snapped these photos last week just after sunset.

custom card // distance // by anastasia marie

This custom card speaks for itself. He lives in Portland, Oregon. She lives in Seattle, Washington. Two hearts connect the two with the words “distance means so little when someone means so much.” Did anyone else melt?

custom card // distance // by anastasia mariecustom card // distance // by anastasia mariecustom card // distance // by anastasia marie

See more of my custom cards here.

Gift Wrap: Hearts + Washi

valentine gift wrap // hearts + washi // by anastasia marie

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, here’s a fast (but still super pretty) gift wrap idea for you. Supplies needed:

White wrapping paper + tape
Gold glitter hearts
Washi tape
Glue (preferably not a glue stick)

Wrap your package in the white wrapping paper. Next, take stripes of washi tape and scatter them on the wrapped package. Vary the lengths and patterns for that handmade touch. I chose pastel hues in honor of Valentine’s Day. After that, dab a bit of glue on a golden heart and place it where you think it’ll look nice. Repeat until you’re happy with the results.

valentine gift wrap // hearts + washi // by anastasia marievalentine gift wrap // hearts + washi // by anastasia marievalentine gift wrap // hearts + washi // by anastasia marie

DIY: Scallop Garland

We threw a bridal shower / going away party for my sister last weekend. We kept it simple and sweet. I used whatever I had available already in my home, and just popped out to the store to buy greenery for the table. Gold and ivory tablecloths, greens in jars, and various long candlesticks (so they would burn at different speeds and create candles of various lengths). I also handmade a simple scallop garland to hang from the dining room lamp. You can either make this a long garland — or just in pieces like I did, hanging them in a circle around the lamp. These photos were taken long after the party was over and everything was cleaned up, so all the details aren’t here.

diy scallop garland via Anastasia Marie

Supplies needed (besides the paper):

2″ Scallop Punch (I used the brand)
1/8″ Hole Punch
Cotton string
Scissors

To make the garland, punch out scallop circles from various paper textures and colors. I kept the color palette ivory, taupe, and gold since those are some of the key colors of my sister’s wedding. Hole punch the scallops. Cut a good length of string and tie one scallop to the very end. String the next scallop on and tie it on by looping that same end through. To keep it looking smooth, alternate the various scallops by color and texture. Also, don’t secure them on with the same distance in between; instead, vary the distances up and you’ll save yourself the headache of trying to make it ‘perfect’ (this is a big time saver).

Note: a trick to keep the scallops hanging naturally, don’t tighten your loop around each one until you position it properly. Making the loop too tight makes the scallops stick up awkwardly instead of making them look like they’re just falling.

diy scallop garland via Anastasia Mariediy scallop garland via Anastasia Mariediy scallop garland via Anastasia Marie

Custom Card: Tree Shopping

This card was custom created by a wife to give to her husband on Christmas. Finding a tree and chopping it down yourself is a big tradition here in the Northwest and this card depicts just that.

custom card / tree shopping / by anastasia marie
custom card / tree shopping / by anastasia marie
custom card / tree shopping / by anastasia marie

See more of my custom cards here.