Time for another installment of pin and purchase! This time, something I can’t believe I never owned before: Rain boots!

Well, can’t believe isn’t actually true. #1: I inherited my dad’s disproportionate calf muscles, so I have problems with boots of all types. I generally can’t wear anything above low-calf. So any old rainboots are tricky. #2: A couple years ago I bought a super adorable pair of shorty navy blue rain boots at an estate sale (some of you are probably super wigged out by that, but it doesn’t bother me), but the problem is they are just SO uncomfortable.

I’ve come to realize that living in Seattle you need a pair of super waterproof shoes for the days when it is really.coming.down so when I came across these Tretorn boots from Rachel’s boards I pinned them to my own and a couple months later decided to pull the plug.

So far I LOVE them. They have furry lining so they are really warm and cozy. They have removable insoles so I can wear my orthotics to give more support. They are a bright peppy color (more orangey poppy red than they appear in the photo), and are just the right proportion so I can either tuck skinnies into them or wear trouser jeans on the outside.

Two thumbs up! Check out more shoes on my wardrobe board.

Instead of always just sharing our prettiest pins of the week/month/season, I thought it would be fun to share some things that were so enticing that after pinning, we purchased. That way we can share little reviews, too!

I try not to do this TOO often, because, well, monies. But I have made a couple purchases inspired directly from pinterest and I’d love to share how its turned out.

First up, these organic rhinestone earrings from Kenneth Cole. When I saw these pinned I assume they were an independent jeweler and pretty pricey, so I was pleasantly surprised when I clicked on the link and they were less than $25 smackaroos. Plus: Free shipping from Piperlime! Score.

I LOVE these, and have received a ton of compliments on how “different” they are. The only downside so far is that I have lost a couple of the smallest rhinestones already. Because they are so organic, its actually not noticeable, but I’m sure if the larger fell out it would be. I might try to exchange them, but haven’t decided if the hassle is worth it yet. Also, I’m the lazy type that wears earrings in the shower and to bed, so it could be totally my fault.

You can find these and more shiny jewelry-type objects on my Sparkle Pinterest Board.

This was a GREAT spring weekend. A little bit of work, a little bit of rest, and a lot of smiling and laughing. We got to hang out with some fun blogger ladies and I got out to the ballpark today which was totally great – nothing like a beer and some vitamin D to get you ready for the week ahead. I also got a chance to catch up on my blog reading last night and here are some things we’ve pinned as inspiration:

Flagship Cheese, Asparagus & Pear Bites

Spring-y salt boxes via Beehouse (I also love their teapots!)

My inner ballerina is SO SAD these are sold out. A DIY perhaps?

I think these bridesmaid mug shots are a hilarious idea

Handy frosting color chart

What are you loving this spring??

———————————————————————————————————————————————-

Are you following us?

Hope everyone had a great weekend! We went estate sale-ing on Saturday for the first time in fo-eva. We found a new table for our craft room, woohoo! Stay tuned for some studio makeover progress. We rounded out the weekend with great worship today, a gospel brunch, and glitter spying at the oscars (which was your favorite dress?). Here are some pins that have been catching our eyes this week.

Beautiful door and canopy detail by WA Design Architects. Via Freshome

Rosewater Glitter Cake

Crate and Barrel is reissuing Vera tea towels. Via neatloaf

I’m obsessed with these leather metallic party decoration that our sponsor Jenny whipped up over at The Sweetest Occasion

I’m also loving this dipped glaze pottery (and everything else) over at Leif. Via Design*Sponge

Are you following us?

Side note: There has been a lot of internet discussion lately about the legality of pinterest in regards to copyright and original sourcing. I’ve been tracking some of this talk and am thinking about how I want to address it. While we use pinterest as a cataloging tool and the original source may not be always linked over there, please know that in our blog posts we only share pins that can be tracked back to their original source and we will link to that. I think as a matter of internet etiquette it is NOT acceptable to say that the source is simply pinterest without crediting the original content creator.

Time for a pinspiration! You know how Katie and Sherry are always telling us we should “Stop Pinning and Start Doing”?, well, I had a Halloween project hanging out in my Project Ideas board and I decided to break out some materials and make it happen!

Update: Links are up. Go check out Katie’s, Ana’s, Erin’s, and Sherry’s Projects when you get a chance since they’re the ringleaders of this whole shebang.

A While back I pinned this fun and crafty halloween wreath made of embroidery hoops and lace, originally from the Thriftress (which is an awesome blog moniker, for the record). I liked how it fits the season but also shows that crafty people live here!

I liked the overall concept of it, but I wanted to simplify and modernize it a bit to make it not look quite so kitschy. First step in that was to simplify from a bunch of small embroidery hoops to one large 20″ hoop (Best of all the cost was actually less – only $3.99 for this huge guy!). Then, I removed the hardware and spray painted the wood a glossy black, making sure all sides were covered.

I had a hard time finding a lace at the fabric store that worked well – everything seemed to be floral (the store I was at didn’t have a huge selection). What they did have, though, was a wonderful gossamer mesh in the Halloween holiday section, and I actually liked that a bit more – real spooky spiderwebby.

Once I had all the materials prepped, the assembly on this guy is easy-peasy. Just lay your fabric over the hoop and cut down to an approximate size (make sure to leave at least 1.5″ on all sides to accommodate the depth of the embroidery hoop. Then, put the fabric in just as you would if you were using this to embroider, and tighten the hardware to get the taut look you desire.

After the fabric is taut and secure, trim the back side with fabric scissors

And place your creepy crawly friends. I kept it simple with 3 small spiders, but you could add a bat, raven, etc as desired.

Then hang it on the front door for a handmade crafty, yet modern, and ultimately spooky wreath!

I love how the texture and sheen of the “web” really pops against our reddish orange door.

How are you decorating for halloween? Stay tuned for pictures of our FRIGHTFUL pumpkins tomorrow