Inspiration Monday #8: Marvel at Marble

Like with many of the trends I feature on this series, marble has very quickly become a design element I'm seeing absolutely everywhere. Not only is the physical stone making waves in home design, but imitations are just as highly sought after- It seems you can get just about anything printed with this trendy design! 

The use of marble in the design world dates back thousands of years. It was a highly favoured material in ancient Greece and Rome for structures and sculptures due to its durability- Something evident in the fact that many of these pieces are still around today.

www.decoist.com

www.mammatuppy.com

cushandnooks.blogspot.com.au

www.modcloth.com

ilgranito.be

www.spruceandfurn.com

 

Doesn't the marble in each imagine just create this great sense of sophistication? I just love it! I believe as a whole, the design world has moved away from the big 'handmade/reclaimed/vintage' movement and entered a more premium, simplistic style that truly embraces the use of natural stone. Here's hoping that marble will continue to grace us with it's presents through 2016.

What are your thoughts? Please leave your comments below.

If you enjoyed today's post, remember to check out my Pinterest board dedicated to this timeless trend. I'll speak to you all again soon, just after I pop out to buy marble printed everything!

Love Megan xo

Changing Seasons

 

Well, I know what you're going to say, Where the heck have I been?

It feels like more often than not I'm coming back to you all with apologies and excuses to explain my absence from the internet which I hate. Getting back into some kind of blogging schedule has definitely proven to be easier said than done. At the end of the day, I love working on this blog and I love interacting with you all so I'm back to give it my best shot. I hope there are still some of you out there who'll join me on my journey.

Can you believe its already September?! These days are passing faaaar too quickly!! For us down under, this means warmer days ahead filled with plenty of sunshine. Although my preference has always been cooler weather, I can't be any more thrilled that its finally spring!

"Seeing all of the flowers blooming just warms my heart and inspires me!"

Actually, I always seem to find myself feeling particularly excited at the beginning of each season. I believe new seasons bring promises of change, and I'm excited to embrace new changes so as to grow in these upcoming months. 

Being expressive and creative has always been my passion in life. Any recent efforts to be expressive have been for a purpose rather than for passion and I find that it takes away the pleasure of creating. I don't see any reason as to why these can't go hand in hand with each other, and thats exactly what I'm hoping to accomplish. It can definitely be challenging at times to find motivation or time- like with anything, but it makes my soul happy.. And so as the days grow longer and the warm summer air fills the atmosphere, I hope that you'll find me creating, always.

Another huge priority is improving and maintaining my online presence. My relationship I've worked hard to build with you all over the past year is extremely important to me- Just as important as the relationships I build in my personal life. Like with any relationship, it requires constant maintenance and effort but hard work really does pay off- I'm most excited about this new change.

For all of my friends up north where it may be getting a little colder, my wonderful friend Rossye has created a post on her blog about autumn, she'd love for you to check it out! She was actually the inspiration behind this post (Thanks love!) I hope this seasonal change you'll be experiencing is one you're all excited about. Will you be making any changes? Leave your comments below, I'll see you again very soon!

Love Megan xo

'Square & Star' Block Sewing Tutorial

Hello!

It's been a little while since I've posted a craft tutorial on the blog (sorry!!) and I thought it was overdue. I found this pattern in one of my print outs and thought it was such a simple but effective design. I'm so excited to share it with you all today!

Now, I hadn't ever completed any projects quite like this one and I actually found a little difficult. My block certainly isn't perfect but I am still very much a beginner and that's what practice is for. In saying this, I am very happy with the results and I hope its a project you'll enjoy too. I'll definitely do a follow up and complete this block again soon hopefully rectifying my issues.

Now, lets get started.

Preparation

 From light fabric:

4 x 3 1/2" squares sub cut on both diagonals to make 16 triangles (A)
4 x 2 1/2" squares (B)
1 x 3 3/8" square (C)

From patterned fabric:

 

2 x 3 1/4" squares sub cut on both diagonal to make 8 triangles (D)
2 x 2 7/8" squares sub cut on one diagonal to make 4 triangles (E)
4 x 1 7/8" squares (F)

The finished block will measure 8".

Assembly

 

Stitch an (E) triangle to one side of the (C) square and press the seams open. Repeat this on all sides of the square until the centre of your block looks like the image below.

 

 

The next step is to stitch the (A) and (D) triangles together like above. Repeat to make 8 triangle units.

 

 

The remainder of your (A) triangles will be used in this step. Stitch these triangles to either sides of your (F) squares. Be sure that your (A) triangle on one side is upside-down like above. Repeat to make all four of these units.

Using the (AD) Triangles from earlier, stitch them on either side of the four (AF) units like above. Make sure to take extra care here to ensure your seams align.

Now that all of the components of this block are complete, its time to sew them all together in place. I started by stitching two of the (ADAF) units to the centre piece before combining the corners on the top and bottom units.

 

And that's it!

 

As always, if you create this block, I'd love to see hear how it turned out! I really hope you enjoyed this project and I promise it wont be long before a brand new post is up.

I hope you're having a great week and I'll see you again soon!

Love Megan xo

 

365 Days..

Well, can you believe it? 
Its been exactly 365 days since I launched myself into the wonderful world of blogging... and what a year it's been! 

When starting this journey of mine a year ago today, I definitely didn't know what to expect or if anything would come of it at all. I simply wanted my own little place to inspire change. Have I succeeded in doing so? While that may be up for interpretation, I believe by developing this space, I've unintentionally inspired change in myself.

This past year has been the biggest so far for me in terms of personal growth. While much of this growth is due to external influences and experiences I've had, I can't deny that my emotional health has been uplifted by the work I've done on this blog, as well as the interactions I've had with you, my readers. I am often asked about my contributions and experiences with the blog in my everyday life and nothing pleases me more than the fact I am proudly able to say that I've not confronted any negativity from readers,  nor others in the blogging community. It may be my intention to always remain positive and work to inspire, but it is everyone who continues to support me who are truly responsible for the operations of this blog even a year on. 

If you're a new blogger, my biggest piece advice to you in overcoming your first year would be to seek support from others in the community. I've gotten involved in group discussions particularly over on Twitter and have now made absolutely wonderful friends from all around the world. It's such a rewarding interest and starting up the blog truly was one of the best things i've done to date.

I have a few things I would love to accomplish in this next year of my blogging journey and you may have read about them previously in this post of mine. Hopefully by taking things slowly, I can achieve some of my current goals and continue on to the next. Again, regardless of whether you've been around from the very beginning or if this is the first post of mine you've stumbled across, Thank you for everything. I'm very appreciative of the support and kindness that's always been shown to me.

Happy 1st Birthday 'Room With a Bloom', hopefully many more to come! 

Love Megan xo

Inspiration Monday #7: Copper Culture

'Inspiration Monday' are easily my most requested posts and they're one of my favourite ones to make. Creating them also makes for a great excuse to spend hours on Pinterest (not that I ever need an excuse, right?!) 
It seems as though everywhere i look lately is being dominated by these warm, brass shades.. If the title didn't already give it away, today we're talking about the copper/rose gold trend.

Copper was initially used to create tools and weapons before it was ever utilised in the design world. During the 15th century, the material began being used to create artworks and sculptures. Both copper and rose gold had also become a widely desired alloy in jewellery design in passing years. Now both of these materials have become quite favoured in home design and fashion and it doesn't seem like a trend that will be letting up any time soon.

 homeanddelicious.com

 missmoss.co.za

 dornbracht.com

 lemanoosh.com

 annixen.blogspot.se

zoella.co.uk

apartmenttherapy.com

Anyone who knows me personally would know exactly how much I adore all things copper and rose gold- Isn't it just so pretty?!
These warm metallic fixtures and fittings always stand out. It just looks absolutely beautiful when added to simple interiors. What i love most about it is the versatility of the material. When paired with light, delicate pieces, a sense of elegance and femininity is formed. In contrast, copper can carry its own in industrial settings. 

Now I want to know your thoughts- Do you love this trend as much as I do? If you do, don't forget to check out my 'Copper Culture' Pinterest board to see what else inspired me to create this post. 
Thats it for this time. Please let me know if you've got any ideas for my next instalment of the 'Inspiration Monday' series and I'll see you back here for a new post very soon.

Love Megan xo

The Positivity Tag!

I've seen this particular tag floating around the YouTube world for some time now and thought it would be fun to create my interpretation here on the blog- Let's hope straight in! 

1. Name three things in your life that make you feel happy and positive

My wonderful friends: Theres just something about great friends isn't there? They know just how to cheer you up when needed most! These past few months in particular have been some of the hardest I've gone through and I have no clue where i'd be without them being by my side- so thank you!!

My baby Maxi: He's always making me laugh and smile! My world would certainly be a much less colourful place without this special pup!!

Nawwwwsss!!
 

My blogger friends: As you all know, the blog has been a very quiet place over the past few months with everything going on in my personal life. I never expected all of my friends and readers to be so understanding and supportive! It means the world to me to have so many of you checking in and inspiring me to continue forward and i really do appreciate it!

2. What do you do to try and be more positive?

You may remember that towards the end of 2014, I was taking part in the Instagram #100happydays Challenge. If you're unfamiliar with that challenge, you are to post 1 picture every single day for 100 days in a row of something that makes you happy. I can honestly say that although i didn't finish the challenge, it certainly did help me to focus on the small things in each day that make me smile.

I've got 45 days left of the challenge and I'd really love to continue moving forward. If you'd like to see my pictures for the remaining days of the challenge, head on over and follow me on Instagram!

3. What do you like to do to relax?

I've recently been heading out for long walks most days. I find that it helps me clear my mind and wind down.

I also find painting landscapes in my spare time very therapeutic! I've been doing little bits every now and then but haven't completed any new artworks as of recently.. But here's a shot of a painting i completed a few months ago that I've gifted to my eldest sister!
 

4. What is your favourite positive quote?

I found this question incredibly hard.. How could anyone expect me to pick just one quote?!!?!

 

"The one thing that you have that nobody else has is you. Your voice, your mind, your story, your vision. So write and draw and build and play and dance and live only as you can." -Neil Gaiman

This quote reminds me how much my thoughts and actions matter in this world,  something we all need to be reminded off at times. 

There is only one you, so be the best you that you could possibly be! 

5. Everybody has a part of their body that they dislike. Say something positive about yours

Mine is definitely my stomach, I'm not too sure theres much to be said about it except for that its a part of me. Every little part of me has been brought together to make up the person that I am, and at the end of the day there really is no one else id rather be! 

6. Who are your positive role models?

I did a lot of thinking about this question and I really believe that I'm inspired most by content creators- Have you really ever seen a more positive bunch?!

I know I may have chosen bloggers/vloggers specifically as my motivation because the pessimistic side to their personalities are rarely ones they wish to portray online. Regardless, it is the optimistic side that's shown every day that truly inspires me to be an overall more positive person.

7. Who should do this tag next?

Instead of tagging specific people, I'm leaving this one open for anyone who would like to do this tag post. If you do, please leave me a link and i'll be sure to check it out! 

Thats it for the positivity tag, I really hope you enjoyed reading my responses! 

I'll see you back here for a brand new post soon!

Love Megan xo

Pinwheel Star Block Sewing Tutorial

Hello, Sew happy to see you again!

 

It's been a little while since I last uploaded any content on the blog and I've been so inspired to create lately. With newly found desire to sew to my hearts content, I thought I'd create a new tutorial for you all!

*This block measures 12 1/2" unfinished*

To create this Pinwheel star block, you'll need a few supplies:

 

• (1) 4.5" x 4.5" square using light fabric, cut diagonally twice
• (1) 4.5" square using dark or patterned fabric, cut diagonally twice
• (2) 4" squares, cut diagonally once
• (8) 3.5" squares using dark or patterned fabric
• (4) 3.5"  squares using light fabric
• (1) 3.5" x 6.5" rectangle using the same light fabric as the squares above.

 

 

Directions:

To create the inner pinwheel, lay the triangle shapes as shown.

 

Sew the two quarter triangles together. When ironing these pieces, be sure you press it against the darker fabric.

Next, you'll need to sew the next triangle to the already sewn units. The overhanging corners sticking out can be trimmed away at this point.
 

Arrange the pinwheel pieces so that they seams are opposing each other as follows.

Then sew the pieces together in pairs.
You may find it tricky to match up the pieces insuring they meet up perfectly in the centre. I don't really have any tricks for getting this right, apart from a little practice!
Once sewn and pressed, you should have successfully created your inner pinwheel (measuring 6 1/2" unfinished)

 

To create the flying geese panels, place one of the 3 1/2" squares against the rectangle with right sides together. Sew the two pieces together from the bottom corner diagonally across. For beginners like me, you may find it easy if you use a pencil to draw a straight line across to use as a guide.

Trim the excess corners away and repeat on the other side and again for the next 3 panels.

Lay out the pieces to your block and sew them together in rows. Make sure you're checking that the diagonally seems all converge in the centre of the block, again this may take some practice!

 

Press one last time and you're block is complete, Doesn't it look sew pretty!?

 

I hope you all enjoyed this quick post, I absolutely loved making it!!
I promise I'll post a lot more regularly than I have in the past. I'm already getting super excited planning some upcoming posts!

Happy crafting!

Love Megan xo