Do It Yo’self: The Great Necklace Exchange of 2011

This past December I had the fun opportunity to sign up for the Great Necklace Exchange of 2011, hosted by Janette of Fashion Loves People. In short, this exchange consisted of making a necklace for a stranger and receiving a handmade necklace from a different stranger. I was a little intimidated at first–not knowing if I could make a necklace that I would be proud to share with someone I didn’t know–but I needed some motivation to get crafty. Without too much thought, I signed up and let the journey begin!

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Busy Bumbles

{ Our Time Together }

Well, folks, my hours are filling up and I’m sadly finding myself with less and less time to spend here on Westervin. It seems like I may not be able to continue our current blog schedule for much longer. But for now, I have a few minutes to keep you updated.

{ Original drawing on Japanese ledger paper }

Accounting 101. This is my life right now. And ya know what? I don’t mind it. There’s something very exciting about organizing one’s financials. If that makes me a pencil-pushing dork, then so be it! It’s also making me pretty excited about grad school this fall, as I’m taking this online accounting course as a prerequisite for the Master of Arts Management program.

{ Handkerchief Invitations }

When I’m not locked away in our home office (a.k.a. the man lodge)  with my homework, Brian and I get to work on wedding stuffz. The planning is in full swing now, with only three months to go. Items on our to-do list include but are not limited to: invitations, website, music, registry and decorations galore.

{ Zig Zag Bath Mat in Slate, on our registry }

Left: Apple Basket from Little Rock Crate & Barrel, perfect for displaying our apple cider donuts, no?

Right: Luckily, I have some amazing reading material for my commutes to and from work. Karen Russell’s Swamplandia is such beautiful escape that I nearly missed my stop yesterday morning!

Friendly and talented reader Hollie Martin is making me this rad necklace for a steal! I was planning to give it to someone special, but now I wanna keep it…

{ First Class Coupe }

We were asked to whip up a little guest post for another neato blogger. Hopefull it’ll go live next week! Stay tuned.

{ Kittens! }

And when I find myself with a few extra minutes, I steal away to watch cat videos. I got a fever, and the only prescription is more kittens!

Westervin Wear: Abridged

I take a lot of pictures and write a lot of posts throughout the year, but that doesn’t mean they all make the initial cut. We believe in editing here at Westervin. However, when your record company needs a new track, and you just haven’t put anything new on tape, it’s time to flip the disc and crank up the b-side. Here’s a Westervin Wear post from fall (how I miss those crunchy leaves and light jackets) which no one has seen, until today!

{ Vintage sweater & boots, necklace from Tree & Kimball, jeans from Urban Outfitters, handmade cowl }

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Westervin Wear: Seashells & Foam

My beautiful necklace from Miss Pompadour deserved a special outfit!  { After the jump: Vintage Dress, Secondhand Raincoat, Watch from Target, Shoes from Yes Style }

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Westervin Wear: Lakeside

As Brian mentioned last week, I’ve been sporting some fancy fall duds, and boy howdy has the weather been nice. I hate to admit it, but for the first time in my life I think I’m truly appreciating fall. Don’t get me wrong—I’m still a summer girl, but the past few weeks have been beautiful… and just perfect for some layered fall fashions!

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The Shopping Sherpa: Blue Without You

Clockwise from top left:  { “Strawberry Mint Ice Cream” Vintage Dress from Vera Vague }  { “Thank You So Much” Card from Hello Jenuine }  { “Stay Free” Cotton Fabric from Booster seat }  { Rima Pearl and Silver Necklace from Cagebreak Bird }

Brian and I recently received a lovely email from a Westervin reader who introduced us to her Etsy shop, Cagebreak Bird. Not only was it nice to get an email from a sweet e-friend, but her work also put a smile on my face. The delicate beadwork and abstract designs of her jewelry are really beautiful! I think the Rima Pearl and Silver necklace (pictured above) would make such a delightful anniversary present… Don’t you think (*cough cough*… Brian)? But here’s the real kicker folks: this talented jewelry designer’s name is Farah Fitzgerald. I mean, get outta town! That’s a combination of my alter ego’s name (Farah Mervin, which I was dubbed freshman year by my BFFsties Megan & Grace.) and our new kitty’s name (Fitzgerald P. Cat). It’s fate.

Daily Pretties: Mountains & Molehills

{ Dressed to Party by harem6 }  { small painting on paper (maine series) by Pedro Aires }

The Shopping Sherpa: Black & White and Awesome All Over

{ Mobile Homes from Jikits }  { Patterned Eggs 1 Original Ink Illustration from The Blackbird Sings }

{ The Black Queen and her Tower from Intres }  { Counting Sheep Coin Purse from EmenGee Designs }

{ Porcelain Nesting Bowls from New Mood Studio }  { City Blossom Headband from Broken Hallelujah }

{ Sterling Silver Worm Ring from Heron Adornment }  { Grey Heart Crocheted Necklace from Craftaria }

The Shopping Sherpa: Goldenrod Galaxy

Clockwise from top left: Block Party Necklace from Peeko Apparel; Spin the Bottle Mixed Media Print on Wood from Retro Whale; Swirly Wordbubble Card from Monkey Puzzle Press; Organic Cotton Finger Puppet Friends from June Craft

Giveaway: Sodalite Crocheted Necklace from Miss Pompadour

NOTE:  This giveaway has ended.  Please enter our current giveaway here!

Boy, have I got something special for you, my little english muffins.  Something specialer than a baby mouse singing Christmas carols.  Katherine (aka Miss Pompadour) is giving away a stone and crochet necklace — the very stunning necklace you see above — but it’s not just ANY necklace.  Katherine designed this unique piece specifically for Westervin!  Now isn’t that somethin’?  The three stones are Sodalite, which are said to bring inner peace and harmony and help with communication.  Katherine also used a sparkly silver thread and included a silver lobster claw closure.  With all these special touches, this necklace is a $60 value.  Well, what are you waiting for?  Enter away!  Oh, you’re waiting for the interview aren’t you…

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