Pride and Prejudice Valentine Garland
I fell in love with these Valentine’s Day garlands made from old copies of Pride and Prejudice when I saw them on A Rambling Fancy and vowed to craft my own. But then I realized I’d need a cool hole punch and to haul out the sewing machine, and suddenly I just knew this wasn’t going to happen by the 14th. Why not just feature them and the marvelously crafty Christine and then just tell you where––if you’re feeling a little lazy like me––you can buy them?
What inspires you to create, to write, to live well?
Creativity has always been a part of my life and I can’t imagine living any other way. Surrounding myself (both offline and on) with an eclectic group of artists and creative friends is my greatest source of inspiration. They help me think differently and approach ideas in a new way. My brother constantly challenges to me to “just do it”. So often I think we creative types can get hung up on the process or we have so many ideas rolling around in our head it can be hard to focus on one project and follow through with it to the end (well, at least that’s how it is for me). Sometimes we need to “Nike it up”—who cares if it’s been done before or if it won’t come out perfect. Whether it involves taking a piece of fabric and fashioning it into a piece of clothing that suits me just right, recycling old and abused books into wall decor that brightens my day every time I look at it or finding the right words to communicate an idea or story I hope others will connect with, it’s important to just do it.
What’s some of the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
I’ve had plenty of advice given to me, but I have a bad habit (which I’m trying to change) of ignoring that which I should immediately take to heart (stubbornness: it’s a family trait!). The best advice I’ve ever read is “To thine own self be true” from the incomparable Shakespeare. Every time I stray from this I end up miserable or in trouble.
What’s your ideal day look like?
It’s full of coffee, tacos (for breakfast, lunch and probably even dinner), polka dots and a healthy balance of alone time and activities with friends and family. There would be a lot of sewing, thrift shopping, book browsing, a lengthy reading and writing session at my favorite bakery and the day would culminate with a game of Liebrary, Munchkin, or some ridiculous Xbox dance game that leaves everyone in hysterics.
What’s your go-to fix for a bad mood?
Red lipstick, a chai tea and a long roam through a bookstore.
What’s on your bedside table?
A copy of “The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle” a friend loaned me that I have yet to crack open. A pair of my grandmothers fabric scissors (I have several of these lying over the house). My passport. A dented pewter creamer (made in Norway, so it must have belonged to my great-grandparents) to hold a stash of pens & markers. A retro Disneyland breakfast tray full of a mess of random objects and papers that I shall one day organize.
Get more from Christine on her blog, A Rambling Fancy and Etsy shop.
Library sounds ridiculously fun and totally up this nerd’s alley.1 year ago
Julie: Love the garland and this sweet little interview!
This makes me think I should up the charm factor for the contents of my bedside table. A dented pewter creamer and a Disneyland breakfast tray?! Too cute.1 year ago
Agreed! I thought both of those just sounded too charming.1 year ago
Katie @ cakes, tea and dreams: What an adorable garland, and great words on creativity. And yes…my bedside table needs a little brightening. Cough drops and tissues aren’t quite so appealing.1 year ago
Madeleine: Oh I absolutely love those textures.1 year ago
EB: So fabulously adorable! Ok…. inspired now.1 year ago
domestikate: Yay Christine! Loved these garlands since the moment I saw them!1 year ago
Christine H.: Thanks so much for sharing my little garlands, Sarah! The Q&A was fun—although I think if you all saw a picture of the mess that is my breakfast tray, it would ruin the charming image you have conjured up.
Liebrary is the best game I have come across in years! I played it with a several people who don’t even like to read books (I know, how sad) and even they loved it. I don’t believe we once stopped laughing.
Thanks for the kind words, everyone!1 year ago
Kanesha: Fun!
I’m sending this to my mother-in-law – because she deserves a fun project – and a fun reading break.
We are on snow day #2 and I think the kids are driving her nuts. They keep calling me (while I’m at work) too.1 year ago
Katie: Ohmigoodness, thank you so much for sharing! I am completely obsessed with using old books for crafts right now; this is just too fabulous!1 year ago
charlane: a banner made of one of my favorite books makes me happy. my perfect day would be lingering over coffee while in my jammies, then a quick trip to the spa for a pedi and then on to the book store, thrift store and off to some fragrant bower to photograph something beautiful….then meeting my friends for drinks and a bit of laughs and ending curled up on the sofa with a honey and a nice after dinner drink.1 year ago
Evon T.: The thing is… I’m the same way when it comes to creativity and projects. I get a bit caught up in the fear that the end result may not turn out just the way that I’d hoped and that I’ll become upset with myself for not getting it “right” the first go around. From that point, I leave that project unfinished and move on to building the courage to start the next. I think that it’s an Aries thing, from what I’ve read anyway. And although it’s seemingly inherent, I’d like to just dive in someday, put my fears behind me and stop taking myself so friggin seriously! *hugs*1 year ago
Lindsey: I love, love, love this garland. What better way to encompass all that lovely-dovey gooeyness of Valentine’s Day than with some Mr. Darcy and witty Elizabeth Bennett?!1 year ago