where has the time gone?

Last I knew—it was mid April, I was desperately awaiting spring weather, living in survival mode (potentially a bit depressed), uncertain of the future, and completely uninspired. Wow how life has changed.

May is nearly gone! I have 10 projects for the blog (that are only halfway done), life is running on full steam, the calendar is quickly filling up, my husband accepted a full time job (only temporary), and I'm scrambling to throw together a 30th birthday party for him. Sheesh!

Since I last posted, it's been mostly work, a little play, and LOTS of flowers. I've got 3 weeks of selling flowers at the Farmer's Market under my belt....oh, what a learning curve new projects are. Such is life!

Hoping to finish up those blog projects soon and get back to regular posting. How about you? Did life get crazy busy for you when the nice weather hit?

All photos from my instagram, be sure to add @joyeverafter (me) to your feed! 

inspiration comes from ::: the work of my hands

This blog has never been consistently stable for editorial content (like diy's and columns). It's never been all that great as a lifestyle blog either. I do not consider myself a writer, and much prefer looking at pretty photos to reading & writing. I've bounced around in my blog journey, unsure of my actual goals as a blogger.

Bluntly, this is my journal of life as a creative and my various projects. So I want to get down to brass tacks, and write a few posts about what motivates my heart from its very depths. Those small parts of life that truly cause a yearning to thrive from within, you know?

Every spring is a miracle to me. I chose to invest in my dirt because it was an eye sore. Little did I know that every year would emerge a new joy to wash over my soul.

Sickly winter twigs suddenly sprout the smallest beauty.

From rocks there arises new life. Like pure magic.

Each year I forget what to expect. You can find me outside just staring at the ground, waiting to catch a glimpse of something new. It's like the anticipation of Christmas, but completely different. Unexpected and faithful. Sporadic but sustained. A reflection of grace renewed.

Like any baker or builder, there is a mountain of gratification with a job well done. Do you have any insprirations that offer continual surprise?

a corsage and a boutineer

Hello! The spring weather is officially here in St. Louis! I spent too many hours just laying on my patio, basking in the +70 sunlight. It was WONDERFUL. Soon and very soon I'll have some fresh spring flowers to photograph. #soexcited

Below are a set of corsage & bout that I made for a wedding last fall. (Hoping someday I'll have photos of the event to share!)

Despite being faux flowers, I think they still offer a nice mix of texture and color. What are your thoughts? Is it possible to use fake flowers in a stylish way? Or is real the only way to go?

Wishing you a sunny week!

pretty gold tipped antler

Hello! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend! Where is spring, does anyone know? It's absence is beginning to make me grumpy.

But what IS making me happy—this antler I just spray painted gold tips onto.

It also doesn't hurt to be recently featured on the blogs of two idols, Emily Henderson & Martha Stewart (insert audible squeal!). Who knew decorated eggs could be so popular shortly before Easter? Yay ego boost!

Should be the start to a great week!

wrapping up spring {wreath}

Though the weather does not reflect it, spring is here and my front door will participate. Using what I had on hand (embriodery hoop & fabric scraps), I whipped up this seasonal greeting to brighten my exterior. What do you think?

It was a short work week, and now I'm off to enjoy the local vineyards with the visiting in-laws. Relaxation and merriment will be in abundance this weekend. Wishing the same for you!

farm fresh easter eggs

Happy Friday!

I recently had some fun decorating farm eggs. With a white paint pen, I was able to make simple yet surprisingly pretty Easter eggs.

Wouldn't you love it if all you eggs came like this? I certainly would!

Any fun weekend plans?! I'll most definitely be celebrating some Irish cheer on Saturday. How about you?

bloom inspiration

Anyone simply holding their breath, waiting for spring to arrive?!

I certainly am. And these gorgeous-to-die-for-flowers are just a little inspiration for the impending buds.

Annnd also ideas for my upcoming business venture! In May I'll be selling my own flower arrangements at the Farmer's Market...Eeeee! It might be too early to share the news but I cannot contain myself. So for now I'm collecting as many ideas as possible on my floral Pinterest board. Have you seen any simple arrangements lately that I should add? Or favorite blooms to make sure I include?

Image Sources: 1. Studio Choo on Design*Sponge // 2. Once Wed // 3. Wild Folk Studio Blog // 4. Emily Henderson // 5. Wild Folk Studio // 6. Photography by Jose Villa, featured on Once Wed //

trying not to worry

Hello, it's been a while. I've been busy worrying too much. So today I threw together some art to combat my tendencies of being self focused.

Art for the fridge. And art for the mirror. Two places I visit multiple times throughout my day.

Worry has NO VALUE and does not solve anything. It steals joy and contentment. So why are we prone to worry? It's like we're wired to be in control of everything, and when circumstances are out of our control we default to anxiety. Am I alone? What are you worrying about lately? How do you combat your worry?

If you'd like, you may also download this artwork (formatted 5x7). Two small reminders that there is hope for the future, and no reason to worry about it.

Have a wonderful *worry free* weekend!

new etsy shop ::: festive overflow

Hello, friends! On this Tuesday I have somewhat exciting news—I've opened a NEW Etsy shop! This is the fallout of cleaning my office and having overstock of craft and party supplies. I cleaned out the closet. Literally.

This isn't meant to be shameless self promotion as much as, "Uh hello this gold confetti is gorgeous and I'd love to share some with you". Who doesn't love a giant gold paperclip? Yep, this shop is a hodge podge.

And Of course I'd love for you to share a tweet to get the word around, because I'm convinced one of you knows someone in need of awkward plastic test tubes. I'm absolutely sure of it.

Thanks so much for your support!

neon surprise party ::: 30th birthday

Soooo one of my many flaws is good intentions combined with a bit of forgetfulness. Namely, not posting projects because I intend to submit them to other blogs someday...and then forget that was my plan.

I now present to you a party that was styled a while ago.

Remember these amazing party invitations I posted? (No, of course you don't because that was forever ago.)

Neon. Confetti. Subtle Mexican Fiesta nuance.

The food served was a nacho bar and a gorgeous chevron cake. Yum.

 

One of the activities was that each guest filled out a favorite memory with the birthday girl, totalling 30 envelopes of memories.

And a incredible, ginormous, teal, pentagon piñata. Full of more confetti!

And a paper chain photobooth backdrop with metallic balloons and playful props.

A mess to clean up means great times were had. Yay friend collaborations to celebrate a friend in style!

What do you think, is this a fun way to help a friend over the hill?

Photography by Chase Oros