DIY: make antique book decorations

This is my latest obsession: deconstructed antique books. I made these for my home office redo.

Here is a video tutorial (my first!) on how you make these little beauties!

Untitled from christa Baca on Vimeo.

I would love to see if you make these! Don't forget our book discussion starts tomorrow if you want to join in the conversation.

Really great book!

Ever feel super cluttered? I am in the "nesting" stage right now of pregnancy so I am just clearing out all the clutter in my life. I ran into this book the other day and it is a like a breath of fresh air! The author has a great workbook that you can download for free on throwoutfiftythings.com. I do recommend getting the book though, it has some insightful info that will inspire you.

An excerpt from the book:

THE RULES OF DISENGAGEMENT:

#1. If it—the thing, the belief or conviction, the memory, the job, even the person—weighs you down, clogs you up, or just plain makes you feel bad about yourself, throw it out, give it away, sell it, let it go, move on.

#2. If it (see above!) just sits there, taking up room and contributing nothing positive to your life, throw it out, give it away, sell it, let it go, move on. If you’re not moving forward, you’re moving backward. Throwing out what’s negative helps you rediscover what’s positive.

#3. Don’t make the decision—whether to toss or keep it—a hard one. If you have to weigh the pros and cons for too long or agonize about the right thing to do, throw it out.

#4. Don’t be afraid. This is your life we’re talking about. The only one you’ve got for sure. You don’t have the time, energy or room for physical or psychic waste.

Here's a link to the book:

DIY: Drink Umbrellas

I was doing my regular blog perusing through my google reader and came across this lovely tutorial posted by jackaroo love (Fun blog, you gotta check it out!) She posted this lovely tutorial from Martha.  Click here to read all the "how to's" of this project! 

Ah, Martha.  How you inspire us!  If only we all had time to do all your lovely ideas! By the way, has everyone read her book, The Martha Rules? If you are in business for yourself, or you would like to be- it is an absolute MUST READ!!  I picked up a copy on my way to Europe and I couldn't put it down.  Here is a link to the book, and I totally suggest snagging one if you haven't read it already! 

Reading

One of the best vacations I ever had as a single girl was with my good friend Crystal.  We both love books, so we brought a stack of our favorites for the other to read, chilled on the most comfy couches and beach loungers and we did nothing at all but read.  It was indulgent and fabulous. 

I have been in such a reading mode lately.  I love when books enrapture me to the point where they beckon me to fall into their pages.  Of course you have to find an incredibly written work to do that. Finding time to read is one of my favorite indulgences.  Be sure to fill out the new poll on the right side bar and let us all know what your favorite indulgence is.  

Summer is closing in on me and I need to get my summer reading list together.   So tell me, creative readers!  What are your favorite books of all time?  

Book Ring

Saw this on Oh Hello, Friend's blog.  Don't you think this is so cute?  You can see more art from this talented artist here. 

The Creative Habit

I used to think that inspiration was the only way that creativity thrived.  The stars align, heaven kissed my brow, and viola! A fabulous idea came.  Now I believe that creativity is something that is perpetual, habitual, and deeply rooted to its faithful nurturing.  

If you want to enjoy a fab read on the subject, check out "The Creative Habit" by Twyla Tharp. 

"It takes skill to bring something you've imagined into the world: to use words to create believable lives, to select the colors and textures of paint to represent a haystack at sunset, to combine ingredients to make a flavorful dish, No one is born with that skill. It is developed through exercise, through repetition, through a blend of learning and reflection that's both painstaking and rewarding.  And it takes time..." 

Excerpt from the Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp