Friday Favorites no. 9

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Hello friends, 

This week has had it's up's and radical down's. Let's just say, this week was trying. So today's Friday Favorites post is dedicated to things that make me happy.  The above poster speaks to my soul this week. Some times I just don't want to talk. But, I've been feeling alright since last night. I finally started putting together mine and Bry's room over at the house in Glassport. It's coming along nicely, but I'm digging out seven years worth of stuff, and memories...so it's been a project. Though on the upside of things, I've been dreaming about how I want to redo everything. I'm considering repainting the bedroom, but I'm not sure yet. 

Speaking of my dear Bryan, his birthday was yesterday. We're going on a little road trip this weekend, to where I'm not quite sure. We're thinking a state park or something outside. Don't worry there'll be tons of photos to share! He's really excited about it. Life has been rather stressful for my bear, and we just need a little getaway! He turns 26 this year, and we wanted to do something special. He's always talking about going on a road trip and stopping every time he sees something he wants to photograph. This is it. Like I said, tons of photos! 

You'll notice in today's post that there's a ton of interior design related picks. It's been on my mind a lot with the move and transition back home. There's more people living in that house that their ever has been and I'm about to bring two more and myself. It's a challenge but we're making it work! Kinda like a weird hippie commune. 

What's been on your mind this week??

xo. holly erinn 

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::Threads & Textiles:: Rainbow Bright & Mini Studio Tour

Hello friends, 

I've been spending a ton of time in my sewing room lately; in preparation for an upcoming shop update. The update was supposed to go up this past weekend, but with a ton of plans I wasn't able to find the time. They'll be up this week for sure though. But I decided to look kinda cute last week, and snapped a few photos. All of Wednesday, and most of Thursday were spent sewing my little fingers off. Somehow, dressing up makes me feel more productive. I can't sew in my pj's. 

You'll notice in a few photos that I've got some pretty gnarly pit hair. I was a little hesitant to photograph my lady pit hair. Over the months of growing it out, I've gone thru up's and down's of my confidence regarding this issue. What once was incredible, self empowering, self motivated statement, has become a question of femininity, and normality. Which is just ridiculous. Media is such a powerful thing. But, I wanted to photograph myself this week embracing my body hair in it's natural state. It's a vote of confidence in my own corner. 

So let's talk about this outfit....I walked up to the Dunkin' Doughnuts up the street, and got some of the oddest, and most offensive looks from strangers on the corner waiting for the bus. I love color, but surprisingly most of Pittsburgh finds it odd. It reminded me of when I used to take the bus to my old job in the mall. I was 21, and determined to look as weird and colorful as I possibly could. Back then I found those stares to be a liberating middle finger to normal society, but now it's a little alarming. I'm not as brash as I used to be. I've certainly calmed down, and that's pretty good for me. Though, from time to time I like to be rather bright. 

This is such a fun outfit for me. I love outfits like this- so simple, movable, and colorful. Color blocking is still one of my favorite outfit trends. As I get older, I've come to appreciate solid color pieces and simple prints.  I like to mix and match several pieces and stock my wardrobe with pieces that'll work well together with mostly everything. It extends the life and possibilities of your wardrobe. Maybe we'll talk about that more later! 

Have you guys written an outfit most recently?

Share it with me down in the comments! 

xo. holly erinn 

this is my favorite photo from my favorite vacation of all time with my older brother, joey

the bottom of rum from joey's housewarming party

tank: PCX

shorts: handmedown's from my little sis

tights: Target

Recent Project Round-Up

Hello friends, 

Since the wrap up of the book, I've been kind of floating around aimlessly on projects here and there. I honestly haven't been altogether that focused but I'm working on that. I've recently started putting together a legitimate editorial calendar, and thus far have been sticking to it. I'm only in the first week, but so far that's good for me. I'm writing this a little later that I had originally scheduled, but I'm getting it out on time. Being a self-employed freelance illustrator and shop owner has made me realize how much I need just a bit more structure in my life. I think I've talked about this before with you guys. First order of business is to get my office back in working order. I would be completely mortified if you guys saw the state it's in now. After the last two markets, I thoroughly tore it up! 

But, today I wanted to share with you some of the "inbetween" things I've been working on over the past few weeks. All of the projects in this post are works in progress, and are unfinished. Up top is a dress I started this past Wednesday. Eventually, I am going to do some embroidery around the neckline, arms, and waistline. Not sure what design I'm going with yet, but what ever I end up deciding I know it's going to be a lot of work. This dress will eventually be in the shop, but she's got a bit more work to be done before that can happen. 

Below are a few illustrations/sketches that I've been in the middle of for the past few weeks/months. There was a period of time where I was only drawing women with multiple creepy hands or witches with multiple hands floating in some mysterious mist. Recently, I've also been trying my hand at drawing more animals. Usually I only draw humans, mostly woman, and over the years that can get a little tired and boring. I find myself getting stuck in a rut with some style, and like to switch it up from time to time. I'd been researching my native american heritage and had several books on animals local to the Pennsylvania forests when I drew the woman with the doe at her feet. I'd like to either finish that sketch or revisit the idea. I feel like there's a story there that needs to come out. 

At the very bottom is a piece that I've been working off and on for the past year or so. It may actually be longer than that, I honestly can't remember. As most of you know, I have a very unhealthy obsession with Alice in Wonderland. It's one of those pieces that I started forever ago in pen, really ended up liking it just as an inked illustration, and then got scared to paint it. So, it sat in a pile of unfinished pieces forever. And there it sits, still unfinished. I will eventually finish it. I like is so far, and it's become such a heavy piece in my head that I can't bring myself to work on it most days. I still wanted to share it with you thou, even if it is so unfinished. It's one of my favorites, and I find myself looking at it a lot. Hopefully, you like it too. 

I hope you guys enjoy this post. In the future, I'd like to share more of these types of posts with you as I finish more projects. It's always kind of fun to see things in the middle of there process. 

Have you written about a project you've been working on? 

Share it with me down below in the comments!! 

xo. holly erinn 

Friday Favorites no. 8

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i love the effect on this wall

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Hello friends, 

This week has been full of scheduling, sewing, photographing, writing, sketching, planning, and organizing.....and some Netflix. Let's just say I've been kind of busy. I never imagined being my own boss would be so much work. But, I'm sure everyone says that when they first start their business. It's work I love though, so it's truly not bad. With the production of my own clothing for the shop, I have been very consumed by the planning and editing of how to release it. I spent most of the day on Monday photographing several pieces that'll be up in the shop by the end of the week. I'm excited to see if anyone responds to their listings and actually buys something. I'll probably cry when the first one gets sold, but I'm a sap like that. 

Beyond shop talk, Bryan and I have a few events, and a possible trip planned for this month. All of which will most certainly be photographed and shared with you lovely internet folks! We're going to the children's museum this tomorrow for my nephew's second birthday,and then Sunday we have another market to attend. Please pray for sunshine for us!!! Bry and I also recently purchased two pretty sweet clothing racks that we plan to replace our giant ugly metal closet with. I can't wait to see that thing go. It's such an eye sore, and so large- I want it gone! akljhgdajkWE@#&(*#%!(y!!! 

....Anyway...we've got a good bit planned for reorganization here at home, and that's what I think inspired this week's favorite's list. I've been dreaming up a lot of redecorating ideas, and things that I can do once we move back in with my dad. There's a lot of work, and it's taking me a long time to come to terms with it. I have to clean out my mom's old bedroom,and I think that's tripping me out a little....which is probably why I've been procrastinating so hard on it. Yahoo, for late night confessions. A sleep deprived Holly is being rather truthful. 

But, as always.... this week's list is bright, and full of color. I've been trying to add more color in my real life. Mostly in my wardrobe, and it's gotten me some pretty strange looks. You'll see why in next week's outfit post! LOL! 

What's your week looked like? Have you been working on anything fun lately? 

xo. holly erinn 

ps. Don't forget to check out the weekly links and etsy picks all the way down at the bottom for even more fun, and hysterical videos!! It's a Youtube version this week!!! <3

i love this idea. i have too many coffee cups...

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anyone else love that classic 90's denim look?!

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i miss having a lot of plants in the house. 

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my sewing studio is right down the road from a Dunkin' Doughnuts

....i think I'm getting fat from all the coffee and pasteries

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this is the book shelf of my dreams

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this chocolate puppy is far too cute for real life

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this store is just adorable 

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it speaks to me on a spiritual level

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i had beads on my door all thru highschool

i may have to revisit that trend

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next tiny project?

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i need to rob these people and steal their bathroom...

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i feel like i need a million of these all around the house

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Weekly Etsy Finds 

 

This radical hat!

This perfect pin!

This stunning faux septum ring!

Weekly Linkage (Youtube Version)

ombre sunset smokey eye tutorial by jaclyn hill

IRREGARDLESSLY TRISH: EPISODE 1

5 prison beauty hacks

RAJA DRAWJA: ALASKA 5000

how to treat eyebrow acne

DOPE ZEBRA OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

Art Appreciation no. 3

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Hello friends, 

It's been ages since I've done an art appreciation post. Not that I haven't been appreciating art, I've been pinning like a mad woman!! Checking out other's art helps me get out of ruts, and find inspiration again in times of burn outs. Since the wrap up of the book, I've been kind of stuck/ burned out from drawing so much, and focusing on the same images for so long. We started the book way back in April. It's been a long ass time. But now that it is finished, my brain can't help but to want to start a book of my own. I know I've mentioned it a few times. I'm just now starting to dream up the story line and the characters. Recently, I started sketching them out because I've come to realize it's difficult for me to write about them if I can't see them. I'm such a visual person. 

If you couldn't tell, the pieces I've chosen for this week's roundup are whimsically book inspired, and very character driven. I love art that can tell a whole story in one image. When I was younger, I used to look at art (either in books, museums, etc.) and make up stories in my head about the characters in the piece. I loved imagining what they were doing that day, or what their lives were like on a daily basis. The pieces in the post have been very inspiring to me lately, and I hope the bring you some inspiration too! 

Have you guys found a piece of art you've fallen in love with recently?

xo. holly erinn 

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