Would it surprise you to know that Etsy is one of my favorite “secret” sources for props? In fact, I have styled photoshoots where every item was sourced from one of their sellers. Nearly all magazine styling assignments will have a bedroom or two on the shot list, and you can be certain I will search my favorites sellers for beautiful bedding options to add in layers, and on occasion, to refresh a room with an entirely new set.

It’s been a while since we had a heart to heart and the timing feels right to share a few things that have been on my mind, and to hear what’s been on yours. There have been many changes and much reflection over the past months for me, as I’m sure there has been for you as well, and I’d like nothing more than to have a conversation with you about those experiences.

As I sat down this morning to write this post, I noticed the weather outside my studio windows looked rather chilly and that the sky was bleak and foggy, it felt a bit eerie. Autumn will always be my favorite season. The whole coziness factor makes it a given. Really though, who could say no to drinking a warm spicy beverage while being bundled up under a blanket with a good book? That’s my idea of a perfect fall afternoon. Here are a few other things that have me excited for the season!

When life changed for all of us and we secluded to indoor activities, I became slightly fixated on a very relaxing hobby I hadn’t done in years, stitching by hand. In the evenings I would pick it up while watching a movie or take it with me any time I thought there might be a bit of down time to work on a piece. What began with a stitched portrait of a Henri Matisse ink drawing, quickly lead down a path of reinterpreting works by other famous artists. There were no self imposed expectations or goals of perfection, only quiet mindful stitching by hand. I thought I’d share how my simple approach to handwork ended up being the best stress reliever over the last seven months and how you can create your own little works of art.

Sometimes you have a design dilemma and find that many of the solutions on the market don’t quite fit your specific needs or aesthetic. Case in point, our giant flat screen tv. While I do like the frame tv’s that allow you to display artwork, the sizes available are much too small for our large wall and 10 ft long cabinet. As I contemplated other ways to hide the unsightly beast - sliding doors, mirrors, shutters, or hanging a large tapestry or piece of artwork - it dawned on me! I could design a giant roll up art canvas that would work on a pulley system just like a roller shade does - and poof, the black box of doom would be hidden in an instant! So, I got to work making a prototype of my idea….

One of my favorite ways to kill a few minutes of spare time is to scour the internet for unique finds, vintage treasures, and handmade pieces. Due most in part to my years and years as a stylist sourcing props for magazine photoshoots, it seems I’m forever pinning, saving, and favoriting my discoveries.

Add to that my slightly obsessive hobby for making and collecting pottery, I thought it would be fun to find the most unique and special handmade and vintage mugs for you! I really like collecting functional pottery, and with frequent daily use, handmade mugs seem to elevate my morning lemon water, black coffee with a tiny splash of cream, and my evening herbal spice tea before bedtime.