I'm kinda addicted to Instagram

Lately, I've been taking a lot of photos on Instagram and am starting to become a little bit obsessive! I wanted to share with you a few of my photos that I've altered. In Instagram, you can shoot using your iPhone or you can import your photos from your professional camera and add vintagy old-time effects (like I did with my super cute niece Ava above). I love what you can do with it. It's a fun little place to gather and mingle on your iPhone too...you can like and comment on other photos from Instagram users too! Unfortunately, you must have an iPhone to join in on the fun. Sorry Android users.

The ceramic circles on the facade outside my work by Stan Bitters.

Thread from my mom's collection.

Wear your slippers to work day at iLoveToCreate.

William after a long plane trip home; waiting to be picked up at the Fresno airport.

Cute soda mugs from Street Scene in Lexington.

Carey's curls.

If you're on Instagram, let's connect. My user name is @swelldesigner. I'll follow you back if you follow me :)

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

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Fun at the Wig Wam Village - Cave City, KY

I wanted to share with you a fun experience on my recent trip home to Kentucky with my boyfriend William! We were driving back from Louisville, and since I was in the vicinity off of Interstate 65, I had to stop for a peek at the Wig Wam Village in Cave City, KY! Now, you would think that I had been there before, considering I lived about an hour away from it for 30 years of my life, but I hadn't. I had to move all the way to California to enjoy Kentucky, who would have thought? Anyway here are some cute pics of our time there. I enjoyed visiting, but I don't know that I would be up for staying in one. I hear that they aren't the fanciest digs, but hey, they might just be the kitschiest!

So if you're looking for a little slice of 50's Americana and your in the Cave City, KY area, I suggest you stop by and take a peek.  They are pretty amazing little time capsules from our recent past!

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

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All I want for Christmas Pinterest printable

Hop on over to my FontCrafts site to download this cute Pinterest printable for the holidays.  It's an easy way to say what you want for Christmas without having to say a word!

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

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Random Tutorial Generator to the rescue

Wanted to share with you a really fun new site for folks out there who are looking for some fun new crafting ideas!  The site Random Tutorial Generator is really fun and filled with all kinds of great blogs and sites that will help you discover new crafters and projects you'll want to try. 

It's similar in nature to StumbleUpon; however, it only searches crafts and DIY tutorials.  You're just getting the crafty goods and that is particularly helpful when you have some time to kill or want to waste even more time on the internet!  Admit it, it's true, how many times does an hour or two go by and we really can't account anything for it. Pinterest may have just met its match.

Hop over and show the Tute-Bot some love!

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

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Very "Good" photo wall art

I was looking back through some old photos on my iPhoto and I came upon this great project that is screaming DIY all the way. It's of a window blind shade that was in my hotel room with my friend Chris and Kristy during a San Francisco trip a couple of years ago! We were staying at the eco-friendly Good Hotel in the Soma District. They had all kinds of artful touches like this that made it a really cool place to stay.

Now, I don't know exactly how this piece was made, but my bet would be a large photo print out, spray adhesive, a ruler, and an exacto. And vertical blinds of course. I think this would be so cool to display in your home. Such a fun, engaging piece. And of course, it's made much more fun with Chris doing his best Vanna impression.

By the way, I miss my photo buddy Chris!! He's been teaching the past 2 years in Saudi Arabia, so our paths haven't been able to cross. Chris, if you see this, just want to send a smile and thought your way!!

And for kicks, here's some more photos I took of the Good Hotel. Their décor and DIY style was totally rad!

Pretty cool, huh? Don't you totally wanna make one of those blind flip-a-roos? Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

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Pee Wee - He's in the bag!

Yesterday, I stopped by a cute thrift store here in Fresno called Vintage Curiosities. I was going to pick up a couple of vintage buttons, that's all, but then I spotted PeeWee on a shelf behind the shopowner.  I asked how much he was and he said, "$10 bucks." For me, $10 bucks is nothing when it comes to something that connects me with my childhood.  I scooped PeeWee right up and was on my way.

I don't know if you've ever seen these dolls or not, but they have a string in the back where you can pull it to say things.  Well, mine is broken and only plays a loud screeching sound. That's why he was so cheap. The shopowner said if he worked, that he would have sold it for $25.  It's ok, just the idea of having Pee Wee sitting on my shelf makes me giddy.  I can always watch old Youtube clips if I need to hear his laugh.

In fact, his Pee Wee's Playhouse Christmas Special is on Youtube! If you want a little holiday nostalgia, I suggest you check it out.



More than anything, what I have always taken away from Pee-wee is to not to take yourself too seriously!  I'm from the school of thought that you should always make some time to let loose and be silly.  Thanks Pee Wee for helping instill this value in me!

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

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Googly Eye Ornament DIY

I wanted to create an ornament that captured my sense of silliness and fun.  Nothing says that more than googly eyes!  I'm a big googly eye girl (if you've seen my googly eye Halloween creations, you'll see why).  Anyway, I know this project won't be for everyone, but for those with kitsch and quirk in our hearts, it's the perfect funny holiday accent to add to the tinsel tree!

12 Non-Traditional Holiday Wreath Ideas

 

I love making wreaths. It's one of my favorite crafts!  I scoured the web to find some more non-traditional versions for the holidays (admittedly, I'm a sucker for pink and red combos).  I think I found some with a few twists!  I love that most of them could be executed for under $20 bucks!  I always love a bargain, don't you?  Enjoy!