Crafty Girl: Gift Guide

 1) Cross Stitch iphone case     3) Crafter's Guide to Taking Great Photos     5) 2012 Skinny Calendar
 2) MyFonts gift certificate       4) Sewing Classes from The Needle Shop    6) Amy Butler Patterns

Book Review: Amy Butler Midwest Modern

 

Photographs by David Butler

Happy Monday to everyone today!!  Today I'm happy to share a book review of one of my most creative inspirational people..Amy Butler.  She is and continues to be a creative force in the fabric design, pattern, and craft world.  Constantly expanding her hard and soft lines to include everything from plates, rugs, wallpaper, bedding, patterns, and a line of stationary (just to name a few).  I received this book Midwest Modern from my brother a few years ago for Christmas and I still reference it to help me whenever I am stuck in a creative rut or just need a fresh new perspective on things.  It's more of a lifestyle book and I think that's why I keep this book within arms reach on the bookshelf at home.  My favorite section of the book is getting a tour of her interiors where she displays a lot of her fabrics and patterns as a kind of rotating gallery of products while getting a glimpse of her studio space on the lower level of her home.  How fun to be able to divide your home into a completely separate work and live space!  A girl can dream, right?!  I hope to make room for this dream someday down the road at our next place.  But for now I'm glad to have a book where I can seek new creative ideas in design, home interiors, prints, fabrics, and home/work life. 

Loving: Earthy Inspired Pattern

Spring is all abuzz in my head which made me even more excited when my findings came together for my loving weekly post! Today I'm loving earthly inspired patterns. Textiles, wallpaper, and photography are all elements that help make a home feel welcoming, worn in, and loved. That's how I hope people feel when they come visit me in my tiny space I call home ;) What is inspiring you this Spring?

{Amy Butler Rugs}

{Ikea textiles}

{Wallpaper from Zeixs Pattern Design book.}

{EV Photography}

{ Amy Butler: Green Goods }

I am always delighted to hear when more and more green options become available to the everyday crafty consumer. It is definitely a sign of the times and I am thrilled to support it whenever I can! Behold the fab Amy Butler keeps turning out products to turn your crafts into beautiful pieces of work, while at the same time making only a finger print of impact on the environment. Her new paper crafts/stationary line are made out of recycled paper and are printed with soy based inks. Could it get any more delightful? Oh, but it does! Her modern spin on the new line will have you waiting outside your local Michaels store just to stock up! Hhhmmm... might she possibly be the next Martha?

{Photos by Amy Butler}

{ Amy Butler: Dinnerware Collection }

Amy Butler fans can now enjoy her designs while entertaining! Clean lines and curved silhouettes frame vibrant florals to create a setting that is lush, romantic and graceful. Made of the finest quality porcelain, Vintage Botanica's distinctive, sophisticated style is vintage inspired making it the perfect dinnerware for both casual and elegant entertaining. Designed by Amy Butler for Mikasa.

{Photos by Amy Butler}

{ New Fabric Finds }

Just bought these two lovely fabrics from Etsy seller Above All Fabric. I can't wait to get started on my next sewing project with the help of these Amy Butler freebie hourglass pillow patterns! I heart Amy big time, can't you tell ;) Click on her pillow pattern photo to get started on your own!

{ Amy Butler Free Patterns }

Since being bit by the sewing bug I've been on the lookout for more sewing projects and excuses to keep me tied to my sewing machine with Project Runway episodes playing in the background (a great source of inspiration, by the way)! I've always loved Amy's sweet and playful patterns and mix of fabrics. I'm excited to have found a few projects that can be completed in a weekend afternoon or two. I love the cute silhouettes paired with vintage wood frames,the hourglass pillow patterns are sure to jazz up any cozy resting place and you'll be excited to tote your business cards with your cute and handy business card keeper! Check out Amy Butler's website to download these and many other free crafty sewing patterns. Ready...Set...Sew!

{Images provided by Amy Butler.com}

{Amy Butler's Midwest Modern}

Amy Butler designs fabrics, home accessories, fashion projects, sewing patterns, and stationery goods, which she distributes globally from her studio in Granville, Ohio. Butler is the author of two previous books and has contributed lifestyle and decor stories to Country Living magazine. Her newest book titled Midwest Modern is really an invitation to her creative view on the world around her work and personal way of life. Emphasizing simplicity and integrity of craft, Butler is passionate about recycling materials, reinventing vintage looks, and taking joy in the homemade. Her approach—drawing its inspiration from the natural world and the lives of real people—is organic in every sense of the word.
It is a great resource of inspiration for all artists. I've been able to unlock lots of creative ideas for my own work by flipping through the beautiful pages of this book.In her epilogue, Amy writes, "Beauty is in the way you live. Enjoy your surroundings. Let them inspire you. Follow your own path, and approach everything you do with love in your heart." Cheers to following your own path and blessing your life with many forms of beauty! Have a great weekend!

{Photos by David Butler}