{Please & Thank You; June 30th}

Can you believe June is already over?! It has gone by so quickly! I am really looking forward to July! Celebrating the 4th with home cooked food and fireworks, getting my sleeve finished on the 17th and bringing so many new things to Seablanket.com!
But before I spoil everything....let's get on with the Q and A, shall we!?
Q: besides thrift stores, where do you shop?
A: I love Anthropologie, Target, Macy's and Urban Outfitters in moderation. I am a HUGE advocate for shopping from nearby boutiques and shops to help out my local economy. Thankfully, we have some amazing little shops in my area that carry unique, second hand or brand new items, and I love it! Also, I love Upper Playground. They always have awesome clothes and accessories, from great artists.

Q: Do you longboard?
A: that's like saying, hey chelsea, can you balance on a plank of wood with wheels very well? To that, I would answer, kinda.

Q: When did you get your first tattoo and what is it of?
A: I had just turned 18 and I got the word "Freedom" on my hip. It has been my most meaningful tattoo by far, and that word never seems inapplicable to situations in my life. I chose the word freedom from the song Chicago by Sufjan Stevens. He says "If I was crying in the van with my friends, it was for freedom - from myself and from the land." I loved that... still do

Q: Can you post a link to you hair scarf turned into a bow tutorial? I can't find it.
A: Sure thing!! http://seablanket.blogspot.com/2010/04/tutorial-diy-scarf-hair-bow-video.html

Q: I feel bad reading about some of the feedback you're getting. Constructive criticism is one thing, but I don't get why people would go out of their way just to be harsh to you or. Oh yes, a question: what is your favorite kind of candy?
A: Thank you, it makes the nicer comments mean so much more to me. I really appreciate your support. As for your question, I love anything super sour...but more than anything else I really love salt water taffy.

Q: what is your absolute favorite thing to create?
A: I love sewing dresses, painting and creating large pieces of art, and baking. It's too hard to choose. I guess I really enjoy crafts that take 1 hour or less... I get too impatient with the long, time consuming stuff

Q: what is your favorite childhood book?
A: I really loved the books "Tuck Everlasting" by Natalie Babbitt and "Frannie & Zooey" by J.D. Salinger. They were so magical, I'd suggest anyone read them!
Q: what was the most beautiful moment of your week?
A: I was able to enjoy an amazing weekend at the lake. My favorite moment was driving to and from with my friends. the windows down and music blasting from the speakers. It was wonderful!

Q: why are you so full of yourself?
A: I think self confidence and egotistical are two different things. I've always had confidence in my actions, and I suppose that would come across stuffy. I'm sorry I come across as into myself. The internet is a hard medium to communicate an honest personality. I am just doing my best to be honest, with everyone, and share what I love!

Trying New Things
This week, I tried new things, and loved (most of) it!

1. Summer Sun
Finally the sun is out and the weather is warm enough to go swimming and stargazing in, etc. I took the weekend off from my usual sewing schedule and headed off to one of my favorite local lakes! We swam and ate summery food and drank summery drinks, it was magical!! The soundtrack of my weekend consisted of Ryan Adams, older albums by The Avett Brothers, and The National. Now, I have freckles all over too! It was a lovely few days. Unfortunately, due to all the sun exposure and very little water, I suffered from sun poisoning for about 36 hours after...I'm feeling better now though, thank goodness!
2. Berry Baby
My tongue is purple from all the blueberries I've been eating. I can't help it. They're so yummy
3. Reading Rainbow (part 3)
This week, I am reading Thomas Pynchon's V. It is a book I've read before, but the mindset I was in then is so much different than now, I feel it's important to read it again. It's an incredible story, and I'd suggest you all read it!
4. Sew By Hand
This week, I am really enjoying sewing by hand. I usually work with a sewing machine, but I'm so happy to finally have some time to work by hand. I'm working hard on a couple quilts that I hope to finish by the end of summer.

Hope everyone is having a beautiful day!
xxoo chelsea

{Artist Spotlight : Dolly & Boy Jewelry}

I received a very thoughtful gift last Friday, from Courtney of Dolly + Boy Jewelry. Dolly + Boy recycled brass jewelry is a brass jewelry line made from recycled bullet shells that are molded into charms. Each individual piece is unique and handcrafted in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. All charms represent something different, bringing love and luck to those who wear them! I was sent two charms: the feather charm means 'be free' and the ship helm means 'guidance.' Pretty perfect choices for me Courtney, thank you so much!!
Everyone should check out Dolly + Boy Jewelry and support a good cause; turning hate and negativity into positive thinking...and recycling. duh!

To learn more about Dolly + Boy :
visit the store here
visit the website here

xxoo chelsea

{Tutorial Tuesday: DIY Louboutin Heels}

christian louboutin is known for his classic black pump with red soles. from red carpet to runways, louboutin heels are a go-to for the uptown girls, so why can't the rest of us rock em too?? take 10 minutes to make your own pair, let dry for 3-4 hours and enjoy wearing the fanciest footwear around!

MATERIALS NEEDED:
1 pair of pumps
spray paint
painters tape
lace/decals/studs
elmer's glue

Follow the next 5 steps, and you too can have a pair of knock off Louboutin heels in no time!
STEP 1.
wipe down your entire pump. this will allow the paint to bond to the shoe better.
STEP 2.
using your painters tape, outline the sole of your pump. be thorough, your paint will find any gap you may have!
STEP 3.
using your colored spray paint, spray about 6-9" away from the pump, to avoid drippy paint. let dry for about :30 minutes and remove tape.
STEP 4. using a foam sponge, spread elmer's glue over the heels of your pumps. i chose elmer's because it dries flat and clear but holds strong.
STEP 5.attach lace to the heels of your pump, directly on top of the elmer's glue. (you can use ribbon or decals or studs and play around with location! louboutin has recently been covering his heels with studs and they are adorable!)

before and after... they turned out so well!!

enjoy lovelies!
xxoo chelsea

{Artist Spotlight : Alex Prager}

I just found photographer Alex Prager's work, which I have seen some of but never knew who's work it was until now. Let me tell you folks, I love it! Her vintage style and ability to capture motion has me mesmerized. Take a look at a few of her photos that are already my favorites. You can see Alex's full portfolio here. This really makes me want to go wig shopping... Enjoy!
xxoo chelsea

Trendy Thursday: Dream Kitchen}

So much of my time each summer is spent in the kitchen. With the fresh produce and summer spirits, no need to work in a dreary space!! I'm dying to get my own home so I can deck it out with all my lovely things. Here's a short wish list of things I want, and some inspiration kitchens if you are in the mood for a revamp!

The cutest cups.

{waiting line mug set, $33 from modcloth. clever critters mug, $18 at modcloth. flowering tea cup, $18 at modcloth. dachshund tales mug, $18 at modcloth. sea of sci-fi mug, $15 at modcloth}

the tastiest eats.
{porch parties; cocktail recipes, $17 at anthropologie. the illustrated kitchen bible, $35 at anthropologie. the illustrated quick cookbook, $35 at anthropologie. taste test recipe book, $28 at anthropologie. babycakes, $24 at anthropologie}

the sweetest suites.{lauren bradshaw. crissie cremers. everything you love. simply color. atelie gaaya. all via weheartit}

darling dinner seats.{eames dsw chairs. eames dmc chairs. eames polyprop chairs. eames dar chair. eames eiffel chairs}

the kitchy knickknacks.
{sun-tipped silverware, $98 at anthropologie. lotus dinnerware, $4-$10 at anthropologie. ice age dino tray, $10 at modcloth. shroom for cream mini cup set, $25 at modcloth. mod pomme pot, $48 at anthropologie. mr. and mrs. shakers, $48 at anthropologie}

What's your favorite item in your kitchen??
xxoo chelsea

{Trying New Things}

This week, I got a little messy.

Granted this means I have a ton of laundry to do, but it felt good to just focus on sewing and not really stress the mess that needed tending to. I've been selling lots of my handmade items lately, and really need to re-stock the shop, so I'm working hard to debut some new creations, and not picking up after myself. Tonight will be 'cleaning day' in my home, for sure.

I ran 6 miles yesterday!!!
The farthest I've been able to make it was 5 thus far, and for someone who only quit smoking 3 months ago, I am proud. However, yesterday I had to burn off some steam, so I set out in a different direction and ended up kicking butt and running 6 miles in the time it takes me to run 5! I was proud...and sweaty!

For your friendship.
This week, I've been focusing on giving to others. Some people have been thankful and others haven't been, but regardless, I'm trying. Pen pals, please be on the lookout for letters in the mail soon, and if someone offers kindness, accept it. It'll make both of your days!

Buy nothing week.
I started yesterday, and I'm not buying anything for one week. This includes gas, groceries, drinks, clothes, music, anything one might usually purchase. It's a nice way to utilize what you already have and to be creative. I've been wanting to do this for a while now, and think I'll do it once a month, just to keep simplicity in perspective.

It's garage sale season.
Garage sales are everywhere lately, thanks to the good weather. I am gathering my personal things and going to join a friend or two in having a garage sale of our very own. I'm excited to get rid of some of the treasures I've been holding onto for years, in hopes that they find good homes. I've never had one before, so I'm excited to participate and see how my 'retail sales' skills are.

Memories.
I stumbled upon a large folder of things I made when I was younger in my mom's desk. Here are a few:{all images are mine}
Hope everyone is having a great week!
xxoo chelsea

{Tutorial Tuesday: Shirt to Skirt in 30 Seconds}

This is the simplest DIY you will ever do. No scissors or sewing or gluing required, all you need is a men's shirt and a few seconds of creativity. I was playing around with over sized shirts this weekend and fell in love with this shirt-to-skirt DIY. Enjoy!!

Supplies Needed:
One Men's Dress Shirt

Step 1. Turn shirt around, and placing the back collar of your men's shirt at your waist, button as far up as you can.
Step 2. Tuck sleeves inside out.
Step 3. Gather fabric at the front of your skirt and pinch.
Step 4. Pull each arm up and around your pinched fabric and tuck back into arm holes.

Ta-da. It's literally that easy! I love how whimsy it is, while remaining edgy from the fabric and structure. Hope you try this one!
xxoo chelsea