So, I went nearly three weeks without using my camera. Crazy. That is the longest we’ve ever been apart. When I went to pick it up, I was informed how incredibly dirty it was inside and out. I felt embarrassed and a bit ashamed. It was like someone coming to my house and telling me…
Category Archives: be creative {DIY}
Craft Weekend. So, so good. Meg‘s home…almost as beautiful as she is. Kimberlee‘s cooking…I gained at least 10lbs, she’s phenomenal. The women that came…my new sweet & funny friends. Antique & thrift shopping…came away with bargain goodies. The drive to Kansas…3 hours alone…enough said. I learned all kinds of new things over the weekend. The…
show 27 comments
This looks like so much fun! I have so many crafty friends, this would be a great excuse to spend a weekend playing and being girly. I am inspired:)
Ashley,
It was great to meet you, and it was a great weekend! I love seeing the photo of my cardboard “eat” sign on your blog — it’s now hanging in my kitchen.
Karen
Thanks so much for sharing Ashley!
Nothing like some good girl time…
I love all of the pictures Ashley…bring on the iphone photo tips.
Even though I don’t have an iphone.
I’ll need to know someday.
Soon.
Looks like so much fun!
Oh how fun! how come you don’t have an apron on like the rest of the gals?
This Aussie mum is sooo jealous! I would love to go to one of those weekends, alas it would probably take me 24 hours to get there!
fuuuuuuuuun!
gotta love bearly makin’ it! 
i need to get back there someday.
I see Amy and Kim!!! Oh what an amazing group!
It looks like such a good time!!! Makes me want to find/start one here in/around Indiana!!!
looks like it was much fun. Could you tell me how to change comments on instagram. I don’t know either )
quick question! you mentioned you didn’t have your good indoor lens with you. what lens do you use? i am currently looking at my options, as i want to buy another lens that works great for indoor photos. thanks:)
Ashley, I had such a FABULOUS time and you are the sweetest thing!! I truly enjoyed meeting you and crafting together. Thanks so much for all you did! Love, Kimberly
Your painting is so awesome!! Was it inspired by a fabric pattern or something or did you just come up with it??
Ok, now I am officially jealous!!! Crafting, good people, and amazing food- now that’s a winning combination! I going to have to try to make the next one!
Ok, well now I am officially jealous! Crafting, good people, and good food- that’s a winning combination!!! It looks like so much fun!!! I going to have to try and make the next one!
it was such a fun weekend with you ashley! thanks again for all you did! love your sweet spirit and am so excited to follow along with your story!
holy cow. beautiful craft overload.
So jealous!!! I want to go again!! And this time at Meg’s house!! I know everyone had a BLAST. And I heart that painting. I have the perfect spot for it. Just sayin’….. Ha!! Glad you had fun. The antique pics made me drool.
It makes me lightheaded and giddy to see the pics from the Barn. It’s probably good that I live so far away from it.
Instagram Julie said I would want to take you home in my pocket and she was totally right. LOVED meeting you. So blessed to hear all that the Lord is doing in your life as you press on with the conviction He gave you so many years ago. As is that sweet little girl who will soon be able to call you ma… or horse.
Miss you already!
ashley, why don’t i see you wearing a ruffly apron? looks like you guys had a blast. might need to organize one of those for my friends!!
This looks like such a fun thing to do! I’m really looking forward to you iphoneography tips. I’m going to Disneyland in a few weeks and seriously debating between just using my phone the whole time or taking my actual camera.
Have you ever tried using Camera+ for your iPhone?
what a fun thing to do…craft weekend. if I were crafty, i’d do a weekend too!
Oh it looks like so much fun! thanks for the instagram tips. As soon as I read that I open instagram and tried them out.
I actually live in Kansas and would love to someday get to go to craft weekend! Sounds like so much fun.
Looks like much fun was had!
I really like making things with my hands. I really like finding ways to help others. I really, really, really like when those two things come together. I’ve posted about Craft Hope several times over the past few years. I don’t always participate in every project, but when I do I am so grateful for…
show 29 comments
I just blogged about this project thanks to you! I am pledging to make 25 hats, but really hope to send more between myself and donations I am going to collect from friends and family! If you can’t knit or crochet, I highly encourage you to check out loom knitting! I know it’s not nearly as impressive as needle knitting & crochet, but it will make hats for the kids in need and get the job done quick! Thanks again SO MUCH for posting this!
A friend passed along a link to this post. Touched me in a few ways … about six years ago I found myself in traction for five long weeks. I was 21 at the time, but still hard to lay for that long. Secondly, one of my son’s name is Owen which means “little warrior” He passed away about 8 months ago, but he taught me and my blog followers how to fight for life and for the good. I’ll be knitting some hats in memory of Owen … Many blessings to you and your family!
Thanks so very much for linking to my no-sew fleece hat project, especially in conjunction with such a wonderful endeavor by Craft Hope. all the best!
Love your blog..and thx for the chance
I love reading these posts. I’m so glad that your little girl healed (relatively) quickly. I know I’ve left comments before, but that oncology floor, that’s where my niece is. Very similar to Jennifer above, my niece was diagnosed at 13 months with neuroblastoma and has been fighting it now for four years. She lost her hair again (for the third time) last summer and we all shaved our heads. I had the opportunity to donate 14″ that I shaved off to the same organization that donated a wig to my niece. I’ll have to check on this project, I’d love to keep some bald heads warm! I like your tie in with warriors – my family and I call ourselves “hope warriors.” I’ll be shaving my head again in march, this time with an orgainzation called St Baldrick’s – all the money donated will go to childhood cancer. Feel free to check it out. http://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/participantid/505739
Last year your bracelet post inspired me to do the same (make bracelets) for my bday party. It’s what connected me to the craft hope projects. I’m so excited about this project that I already have another hat making party planned. People are so eager to get involved. I have great friends…and apparently I will be meeting new friends…as friends will be bringing friends.
I just posted some of my favorite hat patterns here: http://www.janemarieblog.com/2012/01/best-beginners-crochet-hat-patterns-ever-houston-baby-child-family-portrait-photographer/
I want to try out your links for the tote bags too. Thank you for sharing this awesome project with us
i love this. thanks for sharing these ideas…you are great!
Ashley! Last night, I had a dream that you were frantically packing for China with a big smile on your face!!!
I hope that’s a good sign!
BEAUTIFUL story! I hope to make the no sew hat.
Just curious if you took the pics you’re in or someone else?
Thanks for sharing!
I emailed friends yesterday and 4 of us are gathering to make things to send. i’m so excited. Thank you.
Also, a kid I used to work with when I was a college student is adopting from Africa. Your stories touch my heart. Here’s his: http://origamicrane1.blogspot.com/ He also lost his sister around Cmas. So much to take in for such a young couple.
You are sooo awesome. I don’t know if I would have had the sense to look outward to see the need of others if I were in a situation such as yours. Thanks for the inspiration.
I can’t imagine what you went through and how good she was about staying inactive! Causes like these are so amazing! We have a similar one that makes pillows for newborns near us.
Ashley, I came across this image today and thought of you. Check it out!
http://www.skcnis.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/lantern1.jpg
This brought me to tears… we have spent many days in the hospital with one of our sons and are about to embark on what will probably be the toughest hospital visit we will ever encounter. At just nine years old he is scheduled for open heart surgery next week. We just found out and are scrambling to prepare. I have tried to plan for the days after it and think about what to do with him as he lays there recovering. I have packed his bible and his kindle, I have packed puzzles and asked friends to donate Legos that aren’t being used. I have no idea if he will will even feel like doing any of these things but pray that I well prepared. I love that at one year of age you were teaching FireCracker to give to others in in your absolute weakest state… how precious. Thank you for sharing. I will look into this for us to participate in.
Thank you for being as awesome as you are and sharing this information! Without you, I would never know of all the awesome charity organizations out there.
I want to help out, by more than just making hats. For those interested in crocheting hats, I have a cute baby giraffe hat pattern that I’ve posted for free: http://thinkcraftythoughts.blogspot.com/2012/01/baby-giraffe-hat.html The main body of the hat is straight forward and can be used to make all kinds of animal hats. There’s an adult Panda Bear hat on my blog as well, that can be adjusted to fit kiddos.
And for those that want to help but don’t know how to crochet, there’s tons of great tutorials out there on the web. Here’s a link to my contribution in that field: http://thinkcraftythoughts.blogspot.com/p/crochet-tutorial-for-uluru.html
I would’ve been a total mess too. Just the pictures are making me reach for a tissue. Of course, I’m also 6 months pregnant & apparently a little emotional today (geez). Whatever. Thanks for posting the links. My daughter & I are so ready for a giving project. Craft Hope is awesome!
Thank you so much for spreading the word about this. I am crafty but have been on what I would call a craft hiatus. Wanting to start but never getting motivated to do so. I knit and this is PERFECT for me. I’m going to make it my personal goal to make at least two hats a week until the deadline. Thanks again Ashley, I could give up every blog I read except yours. I am inspired and moved by you daily.
Crazy timing…I was working on my blog post for tomorrow (about my favorite crochet hat patterns for kids) when I saw your post. I will definitely share my favorite patterns on the Craft Hope site, and hope to get a little group together to make some for the project. Thank you for sharing!
I have been looking for somewhere to donate all the hats I’ve been making. Thank you for this idea. For anyone who doesn’t know how to knit/crochet, you might be interested in loom knitting. I got a circle loom for Christmas this year and have been making hats like a mad woman. It is so easy to do my 5 year old helps. I can make an infant hat in 1.5 hours. The most common circle loom is the Knifty Knitter. You can find them at Michaels and online.
Jade – I haven’t been able to access it from Facebook links, the links here, anything. BUT I just clicked on your name and I got to the site!
Thanks Ashley for the post!! Beautiful as usual. I’m not sure the problems people are having on the site. We haven’t lost our domain and it’s coming up fine on my end. We did have 40,000 hits yesterday so it was probably a server issue if anything. I’m running my checks, but all coming back clean. Hmmm…
Loved the photo of grandpa’s hands. They look an awful lot like my grandfathers. He had huge paws. It just struck me, that this same sentiment is also the case for the elderly sitting in their nursing room homes. So many places we can focus our love. Thank you for this post.
Dana
Love this post. Thanks for reminding us of the sweet gifts that we can give to others when they need it!
Thank you for the great tip – I’ll look into it pronto. Pretty sweet to remember those hard but rather precious times of you together in the hospital.
A friend of mine (who happened to introduce me to your blog) sent me the link on Facebook just this morning. Sadly, I can’t get either link to work either. I’d LOVE to knit up some hats to send if I can figure out how/where/etc! My lovelies have so many hand knit hats, we’d be thrilled to make/send some to others.
The link that you gave to craft hope does not take you to their website. In fact, when i googled craft hope, typed in crafthope.com, anything… i could not access their site. Not sure why. Is it possible that they lost their domain name? REALLY want to do this with my kids but need the information Would love to know if its just me or if everyone is having this issue. Thanks
My daughter was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma at 8 months old. It was so hard to see her go bald. She has an auto immune disease now and we may do a stem cell transplant soon. She will need chemo and will be bald again if we decide on the stem cell transplant. She s four now so I wonder how she will feel about losing her long beautiful hair. Thank you for thinking of cancer patients. The little things that strangers did meant so much to us while we were in the hospital. Someone made my daughter a pillowcase and she loved it. I am sure you will make so many kids so happy.
I was so excited to see the newest project on the craft hope facebook page. a girlfriend of mine and i crochet during our lunch break at work. I’ve already started working on my donations! I’m so happy to be able to help and give to such a great cause.
by AshleyAnn
show hide 24 comments
Kat - Aww yay for having the camera in your hands again – I love these photos of the kids. Such real moments
Such happiness! I’m dying for the 24-70 lens but right now it’s outta my price range.
Kara Paslay - Ashley, love this project! I love how you verbalized how the ampersand brings two things together to create the perfect combination! I’ve never that about it like that- but I love it! To me the ampersand has always symbolized a kind of “we’re not finished yet” attitude. Like when Oprah said “You get a car, & you get a car, & you get a car!” Just the idea that more wonderful things are to come- which I know is the case for your family this year!!! Looking forward to watching your dreams of adopting come true!
Love you guys!
Flower Patch Farmgirl - I’m moving in to your place. That alright with you?
kara @ june&bear - i’m so glad you got your camera back too. i love to study your photos. oh how i want a 24-70mm lens. do you know anything about the tamron version? it seems to be well rated on amazon and b&h.
Maggie - I love your photography. How do you get your pictures on your blog so crisp? I am taking a photography class locally so I can learn to take better pictures. Your pictures inspire me to learn and take better pictures.
Charity G. - I’ve seen those popcorn tubs before and thought to myself, I don’t need them. Seeing your kids use them makes me think maybe I do. What a perfect little snack container for use in the living room.
Julie - I just love the pictures of your kids. Your little girl is getting so big! They grow up too fast.
Glad you got your camera back. I have been without mine as well. It’s just a point and shoot (our Canon DSLR and I have not become friends…yet), but my charger disappeared
Waiting on a new one and going to be taking a course soon to help me and the Canon get acquainted!
Annie B. - I love your photography! So pretty !
AshleyAnn - Marci, it is underthesycamore
cuppakim - loving your painting SO much. you did such a great job on it! you have mad skills, girl!
and i should have looked at your bunting more! i love that you used fabric to trim it! i am SO excited to attempt making another bunting soon! actually, i’m literally just coming up with my idea as i write this comment! WOOT!
and that love katie daisy print is to die for!
AshleyAnn - Jen – my dad built it for me!
Jen - Where oh where is your couch from? It looks soooo snuggly!
giozi - Love the light and your photos. I know always I say the same but is true
You are my inspiration I tried to take photos of my children’s day by day and there are no as pretties as yours
I continue practising
cailan - I’m glad you got your camera back too! You encourage me to take my own in to get cleaned – is it really a yearly thing? Happily off to Design Sponge to get in the Valentine’s spirit. : )
Amy - I can’t put my finger on what it is, but I so love that picture of the little foot on the rocking chair. Something about it captures the perfect blend of sunny afternoons + innocence + childhood.
Jenna - You don’t give yourself enough credit! That painting is beautiful! I actually thought you had taken a piece of fabric and used it to cover the canvas, until I read this post. On a different note, I just noticed all of the new sponsors on the right side of the page. I can’t wait to browse through them all!
Katie - Oooh, love that fun penciled-on frame. And hooray hurrah for getting your camera back!
kiley - Your wall is so happy!!! I love that no one else has exactly the same decor that you have. It’s unique. It’s you. Though it would be dishonest to not admit that I’m trying to copy your cheerful, colorful style to make my house uniquely “mine” (or my families!)
And your canvas painting…fabulous!!!
Molly @ mixedmolly - Love seeing how you “play” with different angles. I hope some camera repair lady tells me someday that I take too many pictures…what a compliment!
Kimberlee Jost - Jess’s “China” is lovely…a perfect reminder of Little One.
I saw it laying on “our bed” ha! this weekend and I got a little teary.
I can’t imagine what it means to you.
AshleyAnn - Leila – I think I made her sound bad, she is wonderful at what she does. I will continue to take my camera to her because she is so thorough…and right. I do need to take better care of my camera! She was nice in how she interacted with me, I was just embarrassed that she even had to point out how dirty it was…a dirty camera leads to a broken camera….which she doesn’t want for me. Thanks for the compliment!
sarah - yeah for getting your camera back! you’re kids are going to have such a great time looking back on growing up in such a beautiful, love-filled home! and by the way-i am TOTALLY copying your valentine to give to my hubby!LOVE IT!!! inspirational as always!
Leila - Sometimes you have to wonder if people want your business! You would think someone would tell you something like “thanks for bringing your camera to me — I can tell you love your camera!” Imagine if the dry cleaner berated you for your dirty suits!
You are an amazing photographer!
Cha de retalho - amazing blog!! Have a nice day.