Category: seasonal decor

The Monthly Inspiration Edit: The May Mood Board Mash-up (Jesus Sandal Couture, The Return of Fat Amy and Alabama Shakes)

I’e been wanted to create my own mood board since I discovered the wonderful world of digital mood boards. I’ve always loved making collages and inspiration boards in my journals and on my wall-I love the physical and visual process of creating collages and have spent countless hours absorbed in arranging and rearranging pictures…. something about the process is soothing to me and have found them to be a helpful tool for aiding in my creative process because I often find new inspiration for creative projects and ideas.
With online mood boards it’s like a whole new world of inspiration has opened up to me. There are so many talented, artistic designers and artists out there to find inspiration from-

I’m going to try and do a round-up at least once a month….

BUT

I would really love to see what is inspiring every one else out there and wanted to offer to anyone who might be interested in being a guest blogger and creating their own individualized mood board on This Wild Precious Life. It could be any handful of things that are inspiring you at the moment: books, music, food, shoes, movies, art, diy projects…and give you a chance to share here! If you are interested just email me at thiswildpreciouslifeblog@gmail.com with the subject title “my mood board” and we can work out the details!

So here is what is inspiring me in the month of May (2015)….

Wear- Jumpsuits and Rompers

http://www.freepeople.com/clothes-jumpsuits-rompers/flutter-romper/ BCBGeneration Womens racer front jumpsuit BCBGeneration Women’s Racer Front Jumpsuit
BCBGeneration Women’s Racer Front Jumpsuit

http://electricfeathers.com/collections/wardrobe/products/infinite-rope-jumpsuit-1

WALK-

I’m really happy simple leather sandals (or Jesus sandals as I like to call them) are making a come-back. I don’t know why every time I see a pair of simple classic looking leather sandals I just want to be walking around in Greece or Italy…so the closest I can get to either of those places at the moment is a pair of my very own jesus sandals.

http://www.freepeople.com/shoes-sandals/cafe-wrap-espadrille/

Birkenstock Women’s Mayari Birkibuc Sandal

http://amzn.to/1dqgBIM

http://www.freepeople.com/shoes-sandals/durango-metal-gladiator-sandals/_/PRODUCTOPTIONIDS/83886FE0-6740-46FF-AABD-B3BC062AB204/

Steve Madden Women’s Donddi Sandal

Blowfish Women’s Gill Fisherman Sandal

Steve Madden Women’s D-BAND Sandal

LISTEN:

Sound & Color by Alabama Shakes

Falling Faster Than You Can Run by Nathaniel Rateliff

Carrie & Lowell by Sufjan Stevens

Pitch Perfect 2: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Carry:

Rebecca Minkoff Julian Backpack

http://www.freepeople.com/accessories-bags/jericho-backpack-32078669/

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/patricia-nash-vasto-leather-backpack/3816140?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=2375500&fashionColor=&resultback=6239

https://www.etsy.com/listing/184422924/the-sawyer-hand-made-leather-backpack?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=leather%20backpack&ref=sr_gallery_4

READ-

To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf

The Book of Awakening: Having the Life You Want by Being Present to the Life You Have by Mark Nepo

What Alice Forgot

a href=”http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0805210318/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0805210318&linkCode=as2&tag=thiwilprelif-20&linkId=BP5TUZMGSEASXI5X”>

Light on Yoga by B.K.S. Iyengar

abstract art acrylic acrylic paints activities activity adventure affirmations art art blog art gallery art ideas art lesson artist artist trading cards artists artwork asymmetrical autumn birds blog blue boho book list book reviews bright bright colors bucket list cactus casual change chic childhood children children literature childrens' activities christmas Christmas decorations christmas trees classics collaboration collage colorful craft crafts creative creative project creativity cute decorating decoration design design board design envy designs detail diy DIY creative diy gift idea DIY Holiday Gift Idea drawing easy craft easy craft idea easy crafts elementary ethnic etsy fabric faces fair trade fall fashion family fashion favorite favorite books feather fingerprint floral flowers free friends fun gallery geometric gift idea gift wrap glitter goodreads graphic design greeting cards gustav klimt happiness happy holiday holiday dresses holiday season holiday style holidays home alone home decor home decorations How To humor ideas illustration illustrations imagination infographics ink inspiration inspiring inspiring quotes j.crew journal journaling joy kids kids activity landscape laugh layers leaf rubbings lesson life life list lines lists literature living lol love lovely lyrics magazine markers Martha Stewart meditation mixed media mod cloth mood board movies moving on murals music native america nature nature walk New Years Resolutions ocean oil pastels original art paint painting paintings paper goods pattern peace peacock feathers pen pencil people pets photography pictures pinterest planter planters plants poetry pop culture pros and cons puppy quotes reflection relationships relaxing rustic seasonal decor self esteem self love shading shoes showcase silly sketch sketchbook skirt songs stars street art style style blogger succulent succulents terrarium the waves tie-dye tips To Do Top travel trees trendy tribal tutorial Uncategorized unique upcycle van gogh versatile vintage wallpaper watercolor watercolors wax pastels web design website winter winter fashion words world yoga

20 Original Winter/Holiday Themed Art Journal Ideas

Post author By Jess Ross Creative
Post date December 9, 2014
No Comments on 20 Original Winter/Holiday Themed Art Journal Ideas

I put together a little Holiday Themed Art Journal Idea List, some of the ideas are a bit simple but fun.

I always find myself journaling and sketching a lot over the Christmas and New Years breaks. I think it’s my way of reflecting on everything that happened over the past year as well as gearing up for the new year ahead (also because I usually like to start the new new calendar year off with a fresh journal so I try to fill up the remaining pages in the old one). Also, I am one of those people who religiously comes up with New Years Resolutions every year…The older I get, the more it’s becoming a bucket list and a reminder for me that life is moving fast. I am a big list person too…I just feel better about my lack of organizational skills when I can cross off even the most mundane tasks.

I also rounded up some of my favorite journal pages from this year….they are nothing like some of the pages I see of other artists on pinterest or tumblr…but they make me happy 🙂 Some of them can fit as examples for the Winter themed list so Ill note them if they do…

e e cummings mixed media art journal collage page

One of my favorite things to do is write down inspiring quotes, passages, poems r song lyrics I come across and then create some sort of art around it.

ink and mixed media watercolor shape collage with inspiring quote — ink and mixed media watercolor shape collage with quote

floral watercolor artist sketchbook page

accessories adults anthropologie autumn awesome bag bargain body con boho boot booties boots bright bright colors canvas capris cardigan casual cheap chic christmas clothes collaboration colorblock colorful cute denim design detail dolce vita dress dresses ethnic fall fall fashion fashion favorite friends fun gift gift idea Gingham plaid gojane h&m hair style handbag happy healthy hip holiday holiday season holiday style holidays ideas infinity scarf inspiration j.crew jeans life love lovely macys magazine midi skirt NastyGal necklace necklaces New Years nordstrom Nordstroms oversized sweater oxfords pants patches pattern patterned skirt pencil skirt pendant people personal style rag and bone red tartan rustic scarf seasonal decor shoes Shopbop shopping simple skirt skirts statement jewelry statement necklace style t-shirt trendy tribal tribal jewelry tribal pendant Uncategorized unique upcycle vintage World Market

It’s a Plaid, Plaid World!

Post author By Jess Ross Creative
Post date November 21, 2014
No Comments on It’s a Plaid, Plaid World!

You don’t know how long I’ve been waiting to use that title!

Maybe turning 30 brought some maturity to me finally, as seen in my new found love of all things plaid.

I don’t know.

But I do know that before this winter I have never preferred Plaid or any other “Classic” styles. But as in most things with me, I always go overboard with any new interest of mine, Whether it’s: painting, DIY projects, yoga, or clothing, I suck all the fun out of whatever it is I like, until I am sick of it. That’s probably how my new love of “Plaid” will end up, but for now, me and plaid are BFFs.

I have seen so many cute plaid scarfs, hats, and ect. on my friends and people I see out and about, this winter that I wish I could have taken pictures of some people I saw who inspired my new obsession for plaid. If anyone has any pics of them wearing their favorite plaid accessory or clothing item to add to this post, or your opinion on plaid, my email thiswildpreciouslifeblog@gmail.com and I will add it!

But For now, here are some of my favorite plaidy plaids…

I’ve got a little pooch belly, but hey that’s okay!

Skirt is from Charlotte Russe ($19.99 or buy 1 get 1 for $10.00) which I bought in store and couldn’t find online but they have a similar one online (for $19.99):

Knit short sleeve white top is from H&M from this summer but I found a similar top from H&M that I actually think would look better with the plaid skirt. Their Heavy Jersey Fabric Short Sleeve Top available online in black or light grey for only $17.95:

The boots I bought at Target, probably 2 winters ago, and are still my tried and true favorites (plus the heels are about 2″ so I can actually go wear them out without walking like I am on stilts ) I love the contrasting brown leather ankle strappy things that make it okay for me to wear with black or brown (at least thats what I tell myself..fashion experts would probably say different). But I found a very similar pair by Dv by Dolce Vita Brand, called their Jaxen Suede Booties available at Lord and Taylor online and on sale for only $64.48 (marked down from $128):

and if you’re a big spender I also love these similar Rag & Bone Harrow Suede Ankle Boots available on their website for $370.00. (I can dream, right?)

My bag is Steve Madden Brand, and is called the Broyale Convertible Tote and is for sale at Macy’s online for $108.00, although I found it out shopping at Marshalls.

My second “Plaid” winter outfit, is mainly just these pants I found at Forever21. I bought them online, (Got super excited and actually bought two of the same exact pair..so if anyone is interested in a free pair of pants…email me!) A lot of my style decision thought process goes something like this: “Should I really be considering wearing this?” “I look ridiculous.” and finally “Oh well, who cares!” and then proceed to checkout. And so it was with these pants:

These Gingham plaid pants are available at Forever 21 currently on sale for only $16.99. But aren’t for the faint of heart, I’ve got some junk in my trunks and these pants def. don’t help to conceal that. But they are red plaid pants for under $20 so…

A more conservative (and more expensive) choice, if I had the means are these lovely Petite Cafe Red Tartan Capres from J.Crew for $168.00:

My final Plaid clothing collection (so far!) is my new favorite scarf:

The scarf is Forever21’s Frayed Plaid Scarf for only $10.80. And if you are looking for cute, cheap, plaid accessories, they are the place to go, they have well over 10 different plaid scarfs all at a a very reasonable price!

Thanks for sticking around to read this extra long post…as always I would really, REALLY love to hear and see what you guys are wearing this winter. Email or comment below.

cheap chicago Christmas decorations christmas trees diy easy crafts fun home decor rustic seasonal decor trendy

Holiday DIY Decor: Yarn Christmas Tree Cones

Post author By Jess Ross Creative
Post date November 30, 2011
No Comments on Holiday DIY Decor: Yarn Christmas Tree Cones

I got inspired to do these super simple and cheap Christmas trees after seeing a pin on pinterest that came from Thriftyandchic.com:

soo cute and rustic! But I didn’t have any hemp yarn so I used some thick wool yarn (and instead of styrofoam cones like the ones thriftyandchic.com uses, I used paper cones). All you need is a few yards of thick yarn of your favorite color, a glue gun and a paper or styrofoam cone and you are in business baby!

A simple, easy, chic and unique DIY Holiday Decoration!

Anyone out there done any of their own DIY Holiday decorations lately? I am always looking for inspiration!

art christmas crafts diy home decorations nature projects seasonal decor

It’s (almost) the Most Wonderful Tiiiiiiiime of the Year!

Post author By Jess Ross Creative
Post date November 2, 2011
No Comments on It’s (almost) the Most Wonderful Tiiiiiiiime of the Year!

oh yay. my husband and I have this debate every year at this time….when is it okay to put up Christmas decorations? We figure we have to at least get through Halloween.

So…..November 1st?

I know, I know, it is getting ridiculous, but I love the Holiday Season. I think besides the standard reasons to like Christmas (building a snowman, lighting the fire, drinking hot chocolate, spending time with loved ones) I love it because there is so much fun stuff for me to DO! Making gifts, wrapping them, DECORATIONS!

And I have a REALLY good excuse to make a mess b.c. if anyone loves Christmas more than me it’s my husband: “But babe, it’s a Christmas decoration!”

I’ve already got a list going of Christmas DIY ideas and if I can’t put them up on November 1st, I can at least start making them, right? RIGHT??

I love anything that incorporates branches! I found this on pinterest but unfortunately it didn’t have a credit. I think I’ve seen it in a decorating magazine (like that narrows it down)

This is from the amazing website craftaholicsanonymous.com, you can go there for decorations. I was thinking of doing the pom poms out of tissue paper, but then it couldn’t go outside…hmmmm decisions, decisions!

This lovely craft comes from Craftynest.com. I love how simple it looks but it makes a big statement, and I think I could do something like this with the kids in my art class!

This beautiful Christmas mantle and garland comes from Dottie Angel’s Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dottieangel/5212171753/ if this is her home….I am AMAZED and jealous.

another easy ornament idea from greatgreengoods.com.

I LOVE this DIY idea! It is just the the project I could get obsessed with…time consuming but so cute! Hmm….maybe I’ll start on this one first. from hiphiphoorayblog.com

any diy projects you can’t wait to get started on?