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!

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 //

thanksgiving garland swag diy

Just a weee bit obsessed with these pretty corn husk flowers...so I've used them to make a garland swag for my Thanksgiving table!

The pre-made garlands/swags (at Hobby Lobby) weren't to my taste. Instead I found a greenery bunch I liked better. To make the swag, I simply hot glued the green stems to each other to form a 3ft swag. From there I arranged the 6 flowers to my liking and then glued them to the stems.

I love how wiley and assymetrical it feels! And using a piece of wood as the runner...eep. SWOON.

Any fun weekend plans?! I'll be teaching on "creative gift giving" at a short seminar called Generosity on a Budget, which will be exciting. And don't worry, I plan to recap the content for Monday's post! How about you, what will you be up to?

If you missed the instructions for the flowers > Corn Husk Flower DIY

corn husk flower diy

My favorite project this fall season was making corn husk flowers. With only one supply (corn husks) and two tools (scissors and a hot glue gun), this is a relatively simple tutorial. Instructions below!

On where to purchase corn husks, I recommend an international food store (think tamales!). Put a few husks in water to increase their pliability. While the husks are soaking, cut out a large amount of petals. You will need roughly 7 small, 5 medium, and 9 large petals per flower. Also cut out a 1.5" circle for each flower. Take the wet husk and cut into strips about 5.5" x 1.5" long.

Now that you have all the pieces take the strip—roll it up, then dot with glue to prevent unrolling. Take the circle and glue the rolled piece to stand up vertically in the center. From this base, you start gluing the small petals and work your way out to the medium then large petals. You may need to trim the length of the large petals before gluing underneath the medium petals to help the flower lay flat. The process should be organic, leaving you with different size and shaped flowers.

The result is gorgeous I promise. And soon I'll show how I plan to incorporate these into a Thanksgiving table centerpiece!

it has been a while

A very long while.

But hello to anyone still following this sadly forsaken blog! Logging in to my platform felt so oddly foreign and familiar. WHAT do I have to say for myself after all this time???

First, I'll say look at these pretty centerpieces leftover from the wedding I styled last weekend!

Second, I have sorely missed updating my small community of followers! Are you still out there?

Third, I'm not sure where to begin on what I've been up to. Fun things include a birthday, a trip to the wineries, my first 5k, a halloween party, a gala fundraiser, and many wedding activities. The less fun updates include an insane amount of client work (more than double from one year ago). Which is most definitely a blessing for my family, but takes a toll on things I love like this blog and a clean house.

As for my future plans (now that my schedule is slower before the holiday madness begins), I have a few harvest projects to share before diving into my favorite season. So please say hello and join me in the upcoming days for content that you once loved!

P.S. Don't you love these adorable test tubes?! I purchased them from Etched in Time if you'd like a set yourself. 

inspiration archive // 11

Happy Monday!

How was your weekend? Mine was great! Yesterday was spent at a 6-hr neighborhood block party. And I am worn out. Not sure I am ready to tackle all my work projects this week, but more than grateful to develop relationships with those that live closest to me. #rewardingwork

And these simply styled nature images are just the inspiration I need...to foster my dream of someday starting a second (Oi vey!). But for now another week begins. Make it a good one!

Featured Lovely By: Brumley And Wells with Wendy Francisco, featured on Ruffled