Gypsies Journal

This is a segment of an ongoing series called, "Gypsy Girl Life" that spotlights members of our creative team and friends of the Gypsies sharing how they live and what inspires them.  The first in the series was Renee Camacho back in Nov 09... if you missed it you can read it here.  Today we have creative team member Rachel Carlson joining us (of the Heart Pillow fame) from Colorado.  Rachel is as sweet as they come so sit back, grab a cup of coffee or a Diet Coke and find out what inspires Rachel.  Just maybe you will find some inspiration too.

Gypsy Girl Life:  Rachel Carlson

gypsy (lowercase)
3. A person held to resemble a gypsy, esp. in physical characteristics or in a traditionally ascribed freedom or inclination to move from place to place.

I tend to like the aforementioned meaning of gypsy best because it describes my love of traveling by car and the fact that YES we have moved from place to place.  We love to take road trips.  I find a lot of inspiration on the road.  This past summer’s road trip afforded for the perfect photo op:

I’m reminded of my favorite 97% sticker:
"Like a band of gypsies we go down the highway"

Who wouldn’t want to travel around the country visiting summer outdoor markets, antique shops, thrift stores and the like.  I really wish I had stopped the gentleman in the vehicle to hear his stories of travels and adventures in his van.

Speaking of markets, that is one of my favorite things to do with my friends in the summer.  Good junk is simply fun to find.  Not sure if it’s the hunt or best bargain at the end of the day. 
I think it’s mainly about having a network of friends that I enjoy doing this with.  I’ve also dragged them along on thrift adventures or early breakfast dates.  Some of them kicking and screaming too.  Okay, maybe not kicking.

Above:  Some vintage luggage from Paris Street Market here in Colorado.  I have a suitcase similar to the one on top.  Luckily my friends also help pull me away from tempting pieces too.  Not sure if that is a good thing or bad thing.  The hubby would plead the latter.  Ha.

Some of my favorite ‘at home’ spaces:

My collection of spools.  Some of them gifts.  Some of them must-have purchases – really what am I suppose to do with this many spools.  I like my vignette of spools just fine.  My paper inspiration board hangs from above: I use pages from magazines for inspiration too.

I also work with fabric.  So of course you need a space for that too.  Unless I’m on the go with sewing club dates.  Luckily I managed to tuck it into a space measuring: 6 x 8 feet. One wall has an inspiration board:

The other wall has a fabric ladder:

Can you tell what I like most about fabrics?  Do you see a repeated pattern?  No surprise there huh.

A view from outdoors and the lady that waters the pond.  This is a great space in the summertime.

Let’s not forget what inspires me online:
My favorite blogs to name a few:
Seven Gypsies - naturally
One Lucky Day
Jenni Bowlin
Fresh Vintage
Design Sponge
Love.Obsess.Inspire
Maya Made
I heart Linen
Sew Liberated
Portabellopixie

These are the ones that I peruse over a cup of joe in the morning before I hit the ground running or falling depending on how you look at it – for those of you that know my background.

Thank you for letting me share a little of my gypsy life with you.
Creative cheers,
Rachel