Wrapped Up With Love

After months of work, putting in love, energy and dedication, I have finally seen my first book and held it in my hands. Flipping through its pages has been such a surreal experience but a moment I will always remember. It all feels real now, like I actually have a book, that I am actually a published author. The official release date isn't until July 2nd but I'm busy sending out pre-release copies to friends and family. Being a big fan of pretty packages, I knew I had to go all out on wrapping up these copies. I used a few go-to favorite supplies, like kraft paper and cotton twine, but I also incorporated stamped tags with the Ball logo and rosemary sprigs from my garden. I find a few personal touches really make all the difference. I share a few more pictures and thoughts about my book over on my blog Cottage Journal.

If anyone is still interested in a free, pre-release copy, check out this post with a few of the details. You can leave your email in the comments below and I'll get in touch about the opportunity. I still have some copies to share.

Summer Moments

Summer is definitely upon us now and in Southern California the temperatures are rising. I share some of my thoughts about special summer moments over on my new blog Cottage Journal. Visit there to see more.

In One Week

A lot can be accomplished in one week; not even a week, in just a few days! On Tuesday I announced the release of my very first craft book and since then I have received the most supportive, positive, and heartfelt responses. I have been blown away by everyone's kindness. My appreciation for each and every email, Facebook 'like,' and comment is hard to express. Thank you, all of you.

I truly believe that, for me, the best part of this book will be giving it to others so that they can enjoy it, get inspired, and craft something special for themselves. So far, copies will be going out all over the country and the world. In just a few days, my book has reached a lot of people! The maps above highlight the general areas where special, pre-release copies will be headed in just a week or two.

If you're interested in receiving a free, pre-release copy, check out this post for the details and comment with your email so I can get in touch. There are a few spots left for this opportunity. Mason Jar Crafts is also available for pre-order on Amazon andBarnes & Noble. 

I go into this holiday weekend feeling very blessed and grateful. Thank you!

A Free Copy of Mason Jar Crafts

It has been a long time since my last post here on the blog. I have tried to get back into blogging this year in a new space but I have good reason for being preoccupied these last many months. I have been writing a book, a craft book in fact, my very first solo project in the world of publishing. I couldn't be more excited! In February I announced on Instagram that I had finished the photography and written content for my book. Now it is soon to be released. I cannot believe it will soon be here.

In collaboration with my wonderful publisher Ulysses Press, we have put together Mason Jar Crafts, 30+ unique DIY projects all inspired by the classic and timeless style of the beloved Mason jar. I have always enjoyed working with Mason jars and they have made quite a few appearances here on this blog. There are endless possibilities to crafting with them and I see my book as a jumping-off point for crafters who want to infuse this charming jar into their homes and events. 

These are a few sneak peeks of some of my favorite projects.

But here is the fun part...you have the opportunity to receive a free copy of my book before it is made available to the public! That's right! Blog and social media friends can get their own personal copy that will hopefully ignite their own passion for Mason jars. To receive a copy, you will need to commit to posting an honest review on either the Amazon or Barnes & Noble website but that's all. Once again, honest reviews are expected but reviews can be anonymous. I am confident that the book has one-of-a-kind content that will spark creativity and I am hoping to spread the word about this project that I have worked so hard on.

If you would like to receive a free copy or if you would like more information about this opportunity, leave your email in the comment section below. I will email you back to discuss the details. I appreciate your support and am so excited that I can offer my followers and friends a chance to see what I've put together. I am very proud of my work and think you all will love it. Thanks!

What I Am Passionate About...

Each capture is a snapshot into someone else’s world. And it’s powerful, to hold the very things in your hands that someone else once cherished. Moments, people, great loves, celebrations, the little pieces that make up someone’s life. The privilege of granting you access into these lives is not one that should be taken lightly. Or at least I don’t think it is. You become a keeper of these moments, even though they were not originally yours, and as keeper your responsibility is consideration. Who were these people? Where was this landscape? Why was this moment so special to someone? Because the people of the past are just like you...they were people. They had a home, they loved someone, they had friends, they had favorite things to do on weekends. To me, these old photographs are a reminder that life is simple and the things that are truly important are universal to us all. So I take a minute to stop and consider the lady in the floral dress or the picturesque lake that someone captured so pristinely. They will live on a bit through me and as I consider them, hopefully it will remind me to take better notice of those around me in the present. 

The Blogging Your Way Bootcamp e-course presented me with the question: What are you passionate about? I decided to tackle the question in a post and share one of my many passions. Photographs are some of my most cherished possessions including vintage ones of people I don't know and places I've never been. I scrounge antique stores for them. I dig out old family albums for them. They inspire me. They make me think about the past and history and how things from long ago can still be relevant in my life, in everyone's lives. What are you passionate about? Does history inspire your creative spirit just like me? Do you also collect old photographs of people you don't know and places you've never been?