DIY MODERN CHRISTMAS VILLAGE
This week I’m over on Glitter Guide sharing the DIY instructions for a white and gold Christmas village. I grew up with a village of ceramic houses being part of our family decor. I decided to recreate the nostalgic village in a fresh way that worked with my living room colors. (By the way the cost is under $20.) Head over and check it out if that’s your thing.
EPIC CRAFT FAIL
This post was supposed to be about a DIY wreath. It was going to be white and glorious and perfect for my mantel.
Instead I had an EPIC CRAFT FAIL. So bad, you guys.
My grand plan turned into $40 of yarn and shattered craft hopes sprawled out on the floor. I tried to make a yarn Juju hat wreath like this one, and it was a hot mess. After a couple hours of realizing it was doomed, I gave up and ate a sleeve of Oreos.
(By the way, have any of you seen the website Pinterest Fail? It is hilarious and will make you feel better the next time a recipe or craft doesn’t go as planned. Promise.)
Instead I thought I’d share with you guys where else I’ve been on the web this week and a major “aha” moment that came after a great conversation with some other creatives.
“PREPPY CHIC” LIVING ROOM
My friend and fellow designer Beth of Design Post Interiors is hosting a fun series called “1 Room, 10 Minds, 1 Design” where 10 designers come up with a design for her living room.
Knowing Beth’s style, I chose to use geometric prints, blue, black and several classic elements to come up with a plan for her living room. Check out the full post on her site for full inspiration as well as links to products.
THE COMPARISON TRAP
Also this week I spent some time with a community that’s become really important to my journey as a freelance creative. In January, my friend Crystal and I launched a network for creative freelancers called Springfield Collective.
Having a “tribe” of other professionals to be transparent and vulnerable with in this stage of business has been really good for me. At times I really questioned if the time investment was really worth it, but this week reminded me why it definitely is.
Our topic this morning was “The Comparison Trap”. (Something I struggle with DAILY.) We talked through this article that brings up the healthy and unhealthy ways that comparison can affect us.
Too often, I start searching the web for inspiration and end up in a pool of self-pity and envy. Do you ever feel this way?
One of the things that came out of the conversation was that when you get to that place, you begin to doubt yourself and the mission that you’ve set out to accomplish. When you compare your accomplishments to the success of others, you can start to act or think in ways that aren’t rooted in your true self and values.
One of the biggest take-aways for me from the article and conversation was to turn comparison into compass and let it point you toward what you value you most.
When I feel those twinges of comparison and envy creep in, I need to ask myself some questions…
What is it that I’m drawn to about that person or business?
Is my envy really an ache because I’m not doing something I need to be?
What can I learn from or celebrate about this person or business?
I know things like “envy” and “self-doubt” are kind of ugly topics for blog land, especially this time of year when everyone is sharing pretty decorations, quippy posts, and seemingly serene lifestyles. But if you’re like me, then you have a chance to fall into the comparison trap every time you hop onto your computer. Let’s be better at that. Will you join with me in that effort?
If by some chance you ever feel that this is an “unhealthy” place for you to hang out, please remember that its author is real and raw and fails all the time. If you shoot me an email, I promise you’ll find some solidarity…and perhaps a suggestion for my favorite carb.
DIY: Metallic Art and Family Photos
DIY: Make A Fabric Banner
DIY “Book Shelf”
Ornament Makeovers
I always felt like comparison is the thief of joy, but I LOVE that you’ve introduced the idea of it becoming a positive thing. Such a great post Heather:)
Thanks, girl! I always appreciate your sweet feedback.
love those houses! 🙂 and i loved your space at beth’s- mine goes up next week and it is actually quite similar because i stuck with the blue and pink that beth likes as well! 🙂 and i totally feel the same about comparison- let’s not let it get the best of us, ok?
That just means we’re both on to Beth’s style!! Amen, sister.
Love this. And yes–Like many other women I fail miserably when it comes to comparison. I will be doing good–and then all of a sudden, something pulls me back in! So crazy. Love using it as a compass instead.
Also, those little houses are adorable.
Yes, I GET it. Me too. I’ll even swear off certain websites/blogs and then sneak a peak when I know I shouldn’t.
You hit the nail on the head about comparison ~ yes, it is a struggle in my life, too.. I love this idea of comparison to compass with the excellent questions to ask. Have you read any of Brene Brown’s work? I am reading “The Gifts of Imperfection” presently & it would supplement this subject well. Thank you for this post!
I saw Brene on Oprah and have been wanting to read her books!! (I need to add it to my holiday reading list.) Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Barbara.
I love this post Heather! We all fall into the comparison trap so you are not alone. I love the list of questions you come up with to ask yourself when you feel the pangs. It would be nice to channel it in a positive way. I think it is only human nature to compare so we need to be constantly reminding ourselves how dangerous it can be.
Sorry about your Pinterest fail. It happens to us all. Thanks for sharing both your project highs and lows!
Hugs to you, Jennifer;) it’s almost harder a blogger because you feel like you should be doing it better, or putting better work out in the world. Definitely something I’ll continue to fight, but glad to have a sweet online community to support me.
Thanks for sharing this. I totally agree and this trap is hard to avoid doing what we do. YOu said it well sister. And thanks for sharing your fail – glad I’m not the only one. 🙂 Love your board for Beth!!