I've got some exciting news for you all! A few months ago I met (via Instagram) the very talented Fisayo (@loveohlou) who is a student in Fashion Design and the owner/visionary behind the Oh Lou shop. Other than her skilled fashion drawings, she is largely known for her colorful, confetti filled (litterally) hair bows! Naturally, when she approached me about working together on a project, I couldn't help but say "yes!"

An important facet of her work is to connect her success to improving the community around her. She began the #SilverSpoonInitiative, which supports the Washington D.C. homeless population by providing a food bank with a non-perishable food item for every accessory purchased. Her clever motto, "Buy an accessory, give a necessity," sums it up perfectly. As some of you may or may not be aware, my entire introduction into creative work (sewing, DIY, photography, etc.) began similarly like Fisayo, with an interest in making something original and using that work to improve the lives of those around us. It is perhaps the best combination of self-motivation: to challenge yourself creatively and to believe creative solutions can have positive impacts in the world.

DIY | Easy Artisanal Sandals

People...I've had these DIY Embroidered Yarn Bracelet Sandals in my head for nearly a year (!!) and I finally found the perfect materials to put it together! You probably think I'm a bit crazy, but seriously, I've been dying to make these! I've had the fortune to travel many places around the world and I made it a tradition of mine to collect yarn bracelets from each country as a keepsake. When I was younger, I used to wear all the bracelets and they became excellent conversation starters! Now that I'm living the professional life, I had to put them aside but still like to memorialize them in some way. The best part about these sandals is that they can be meaningful if you'd like them to be!

DIY | (Strawberry) Jammin'

The sun is out, snow is out of sight, and the grocery store is stocking up on fresh(er) fruits...it must be spring! As a California gal living out in the frigid coast that is New England, you can't possibly imagine how psyched I am to expose my ankles for the first time in months and sit outside. This DIY Strawberry Earphones project is inspired by all the fruity goodness that the spring and, soon, summer seasons will bring! Like usual, just a few super simple steps and you can make these tasty looking babies in a few minutes! Check it out below:

DIY || #36 || Eye Like My Lashes on Macarons

I've hopped onto the macaron train and I'm not getting off! I'm so inspired by Sugar and Cloth's #Glossaryofmacs, a series of fun ways she paints or creates fun images on macarons! The best part - they are all edible! Today's DIY is a super sweet way to bat your eye lashes at that crush of yours during that cocktail party...or just flirt with yourself I guess. Hey, you are pretty good looking, right? All you need are food coloring pens and a batch of macarons. Prepare for a pretty sweet sugary ride! Here are the deets:

What you'll need:

1. Macarons (I bought these babies at a cute Macaron Van that drives around Boston - Cameo Macaron)

2. Edible Color Food Markers (purchased a pack at Michaels)

Steps: 

1. Like I said, super easy! Simple grab a macaron and draw the outline of a semi-circle. Feel free to make your eyelid as thick as you'd like..I preferred mine a little bit on the thinner side. 

2. Next, add lines extending outwards around the semi-circle to make the individual lashes.

3. Repeat per macaron. It's fun to spice up a few and add an eyeball. Simple draw an oval, add the lashes to the top, and a big circle in the middle for an eye that pops! That's it! 

Hope you all like today's project and let me know if you try it! Share your creations on instagram (#diykipi) and follow my colorful ride (@creativekipi)!

Friday Faves || Instagram Love || Colorful Canvases

Holy macaroni! I know it's been a while since I last posted but I promise it's for a good reason! I got married a couple weeks ago and had one of the best days of my life so far (more details and tips to come later!). It is crazy how much a single day can consume weeks and months of time for planning. Alas, I am back and in action! Got some new DIY projects coming for the spring season and working on some more community sharing posts. Speaking of which, Friday Faves will now feature the many incredibly talented, inspiring, and downright cool people I've admired, met, and connected with on Instagram. Seriously - that app is a brewing pot of daily awesomeness! 

To kick it off, today's Friday Faves will revolve around the world of "Colorful Canvases," inspired primarily by my gal Courtney (@myfriendcourt), who is an artist and art teacher in Atlanta. As if her feed were not colorful enough, prepare yourself for the beautiful connections she makes with those on Instagram through her #Makeyourmark challenges each month. Every day, people are challenged to doodle, draw, paint, or sketch a particular theme - from waves to circles and from clouds to colors. She's a burst of inspiration and an example of community loving at its finest!! Click to check out her instagram and blog!

@myfriendcourt

The next four artists below also glue my eyes to the screen when I scroll through their feeds! 

TL:@theebouffants | TR: @nataliawrobelart
BL: @katefjury | BR: @artandsoulcreativeco 

1. Kendra Dandy (@theebouffants): This brilliant woman knows patterns like it's nobody's business! Through her print designs of lips, lipstick, shoes, dresses, fruits, and color galore you are immediately transported to a world where you wish everything came patterned...but seriously, wouldn't that be kind of awesome?

2. Natalia Wrobel Art (@nataliawrobelart): I've known this true beauty since my childhood days (we went to the same elementary and high schools!). She creates some of the most mesmerizing array of  colorful paintings I hope to one day be lucky enough to hang in my own home. She also has a studio space which essentially means she's the coolest person in Boston right now, just sayin'.

3. Laura Uy (@artandsoulcreativeco): This talented lady can take the most dangerous animals - bears, foxes, and lions - and turn them into the cutest furry creatures around! From her cards to art prints, you may find yourself wishing you could just snuggle with them and not look weird while doing so. That may be hard to accomplish though...sorry.

4. Katherine Jury (@katefjury): This dazzling painter can literally create the most beautiful messes you've seen, in all the best ways! I love her mixed color palettes, textures, and her serene outlook on life. She also includes many pictures of beaches, sand, and stones - which may just make you wish you were in her shoes (or lack thereof)...all the time.

Please check out these inspirational artists, follow along, and share your thoughts! Come back next friday for my next batch! Oh, you can also find me on Instagram too (@creativekipi)...happy weekend!