Easiest Pillow EVER!

I have been out on my own, or "On the Lam" (I am not a fugitive), for many years now, let's say about 12 years. Honestly, those first couple years of "adult" life do feel like you're running from something, running from who you know yourself to be, and then you come full circle back to where you were. Right?

Why is this relevant? What does it have to do with throw pillows?

Well, this might sound gross, but many of the throw pillows laying around my home are from those early days. They have traveled with me from one apartment to the next, acting as tiny accents in my tiny spaces. Now I am married and live in a house, and I am sick and tired of these pillows.

This is not really a tutorial, just a photo documentary of parts my process.

I learned from this great lady at No. 29 Design. Her tutorial was the easiest I have tried, and the most intuitive for a rookie like myself. Also, envelope pillows perfect if you are new to sewing; dealing with a zipper can be really frustrating ;).

I found some fabric that I like. 

This one is really nice, it almost feels like a linen, and I love the print. 

Again, on No. 29 Design, the how-to steps are quite easy...

And here it is! 

NYC Studio Chevron Table

Presenting...

A photo documentation ->

The making of a small Reclaimed Wood Chevron Table 

(for our sweet customer C.L.).

The final phase... getting the tables ready and labeled for customer assembly.

A while back when we first had the conversation of designing a table that customers had to "put together", we struggled. The motive was to offer something that wasn't a fortune to ship.  And when the table and the legs can all fit together in one smaller box the customer saves a substantial cost. 

Sam wondered if this would put into question his craftsmanship, his level or ability as a woodworker, as joinery is a big deal to woodworkers. But someone gave us some great advice not too long ago; he has been a woodworker for over thirty years...

"You have to come to a point where you have to decide what is most important to your customers." 

In this case, our customers want something special (handmade, unique) and reclaimed. They appreciate the style and look that we offer. We've created a way to offer this at a price that allows our customers to have these pieces in their homes.

...and here was the completed project...

 Thankfully, our customer sent us some previous of how she is placing it in her NYC apt...

How To Blog

This is how I feed today...because I am blogging.

Goodness, blogging is difficult. Maybe that's a sign that I have a supreme brilliance that hasn't been released, just kidding. :) Today I was fishing threw some of my Pins...on my board..."My Ateliér", and finally decided to read some blogging advice. 

Thanks to Jeff at http://goinswriter.com, it's beginning to make more sense. Here Jeff explains how to narrow down by establishing these three pieces:

 Subject -> Theme -> Objective

We thought we would share with you our journey of discovery - what is our blogging purpose?

SUBJECT

• What are we passionate about?

our business, making small business work, our home, living by faith

• In what topic do we have expertise or a desire to learn?

design, home decor/room arrangement, education, woodworking, small business, family, budget, patience, trust...

• What could I write about for a year without running out of ideas or energy?

using personal anecdotes....how to make a house a home

Jeff encourages you to pick one, and only one subject. 

We chose "making your house a home", it ties to The Honey Shack as well.

Madeleine L'Engle

THEME

• How can I break this subject down into its various components?

Home decor, Organization, DIY, Where to Buy, Capturing a Look, Cleaning Tips, Budget Friendly Design, Rearranging what you have, etc. 

• What do I want to concentrate on?

This part I am still working on. It's something related to using what you have, minimizing the "stuff" and making your home a place of peace and rest. 

• Is there a specific manner in which I want to attack this issue? What will my writing “voice” be? (e.g. Humorous, sarcastic, practical, anecdotal, etc.)

When I was a writing teacher the anecdotes were what always moved me most. I suppose anecdotal would be best, as long as I don't carry on too much :). 

Specific manner...does it have to be intentional?

Tips

OBJECTIVE

• What do I want to accomplish with my writing?

We want to connect to people and inspire.

• What impression do I want to leave?

We want to leave an impression of humility, that we are vulnerable, real people. 

• What’s my goal? How do I measure it?

We want to bless you, our readers...