Pillow Project: Burlap + White Paint

For my bedroom, I needed a throw pillow on the bed. With dark furniture, an aquamarine quilt and shams, white comforter folded at the end and multi-colored throw blanket, burlap seemed like the perfect texture and color to finish the ensemble. It all started with a rough day... then a bath... then a paintbrush....

Supplies:

1 14" x 14" pillow casing (easiest to use, I don't enjoy stuffing pillows)

Burlap fabric to cover pillow (and some extra on each side for overlap)

1 spool of tan thread

Sewing Machine

1/2" paintbrush

1/4" paintbrush

Glop of white acrylic paint, enough to cover sketch

First key to remember... I'm not an expert sewer. To cover the pillow, I recommend searching online tutorials or try this link; just remember to use the dimensions of your pillow and not those indicated on the tutorials. After your pillow is covered, research coral images online until you find one that tickles your fancy. Now it is time to draw and this part I can do! Grab a Sharpie® marker and sketch the image, drawing directly on the pillow. The great thing about coral is there aren't any straight edges so messing up isn't easy!

Because the burlap is too tough and I won't be snuggling up with this pillow, I decided to use some leftover acrylic paints. If you want to create a pillow that is more comfortable, choose a softer fabric and check out your local craft store for fabric paint. I used two sizes of paintbrushes (1/2" and 1/4"). With the larger of the two, I loosely painted the white acrylic over my Sharpie® sketch. The paint thicker in some places, thinner in others to create a beautiful texture, but all the black was covered. With the smaller of the two brushes, you can add sharper edges to the coral.

Let dry, fluff up the pillow and toss on the bed! If you try this out, upload your pictures to the facebook page and share with the other busy bees of Humblebee!

As always, all artwork/photography posted on The Humblebee Hive blog are property and under copyright of Ashley Stuart. I am honored when my artwork is used for inspiration, so shoot me an email or comment below sharing the inspiration you've gathered from this blog. Please contact for more information on purchase and/or public use.

Rosie's Photoshoot: May 14th, 2011

Meet Rosie... 10 years old and ready to play!

The most common pose of the afternoon!

Pure joy in this face.

Tommy Bahama model? I think so.

Beautiful brindle coloring on Rosie's coat.

During lunchtime, chilling out on the cool patio floor.

Favorite past-time for mom and pup!

And she's spent.

Thanks to Joe and Ursula Harvey for helping direct Rosie, though she managed quite well by herself! As well as for the fabulous lunch... featured below. Booking shoots for the summer season. Contact me if interested! Visit the services page to view photography options.

Shrimp salad with walnut/cranberry bread... one word... delish.

As always, all artwork/photography posted on The Humblebee Hive blog are property and under copyright of Ashley Stuart. I am honored when my artwork is used for inspiration, so shoot me an email or comment below sharing the inspiration you've gathered from this blog. Please contact for more information on purchase and/or public use.

Honeysuckle Nectar

Image from Wine Recipes Blog

Have you ever tasted a honeysuckle? They are one of life's little treasures and are absolutely delectable. You don't get but a drop to taste, but the drop sends me back to the farm I grew up on with fond memories of my family, summertime as a child, freshly picked fruits and vegetables, grass stains and blue skies.

Next time you run across a honeysuckle bush, pick a flower from the base, not from the petals. Gently pull at the base off of the flower and place a finger at the opening. Squeeze the flower from open end, down the long neck, all the way to base and the nectar should cover the tip of your finger.

Bon appétit.

Giveaway: Stationery Patterns

Humblebee's first giveaway: Stationery Patterns

Just in time for the height of wedding season, the first giveaway is perfect for the DIY bride and a fun accessory for all craft-lovers. These patterns will go to one lucky viewer!

Want to know how to enter? You have your choice!

1. Follow the blog and comment on your favorite pattern.
2. Share the Facebook post on your profile or page.
3. Like on Facebook and comment on your favorite pattern.
4. Follow on Twitter and re-tweet post.
Note: If you should choose option 2 or 4, please forward the re-post link for eligibility.

- Included in the giveaway are ten 8.5"w x 11"h printable patterns, jpg at 400dpi
- Fan-pattern colors: Cranberry, Bluebell, Dandelion, Café
- Ring-pattern colors: Lilac, Tangerine, Aquamarine, Noir, Avocado
- To add some excitement, 1-bonus pattern. See above... third from the right!

Giveaway contest ends on Wednesday, May 25, at noon EST.

Not sure how you would use these? Here is a Charleston inspired wedding invitation set that uses the avocado ring pattern as a wrap-around. Missed out on the giveaway? Some of the patterns above are featured on the Humblebee Etsy site. Feel free to write with any questions!

Have fun!

Thrifty Treasure: My Home

To change things up a bit, I thought it would be a great idea to show you a few of the thrifty treasures I have found and placed in my own home, after a bit of elbow grease, paint or Windex, to name a few. I've also included some handmade art that can easily be recreated, so I hope you'll enjoy!

Absolutely adore anything tin!

Bought with a lamp below; needed cleaning, but it's the perfect desk lamp.

Wooden poster from a local consignment shop; only simple wipe down needed!

Cleaned/re-painted the inside and removed any snags. Lid sags, but it's great storage.

Lamp base needed cleaning. Wheel-thrown vase handmade and glazed by yours truly.

Wheel-thrown vase handmade by yours truly, great for a desk pencil holder!

I always purchase art on my vacations; 2 of 3 prints from Puerto Rico.

Burlap covered canvas with a grid of metal tacks and string strung geometrically.

As always, all artwork/photography posted on The Humblebee Hive blog are property and under copyright of Ashley Stuart. I am honored when my artwork is used for inspiration, so shoot me an email or comment below sharing the inspiration you've gathered from this blog. Please contact for more information on purchase and/or public use.

Quote from a Friend

From my friend Flo during lunch at the office, complimenting this week's recipe of Lemon-Dill Vegetable & Goat Cheese Salad. Check back soon, it is delicious and easy!

Meditation Pillow

My next sewing creation... a meditation pillow. The couch pillows just don't cut it around minute 19. Snagged this article from the August 2010 issue of Yoga Journal and plan on making my very first meditation pillow. If all goes well, I will post pictures soon after! Directions below if you'd like to try it for yourself.
(Steps below are taken directly from the mag, so if you have the issue, you can find directions on page 28)

You'll Need:

3/4 yard of 54-inch wide fabric (washed, dried and pressed)
Iron
Thread
Water-soluble fabric pen or chalk
Clear ruler
3 lbs kapok stuffing (approximate measure)

Step 1:
Piece A - Cut out a rectangle 47 1/2 by 6 inches (or your preferred cushion height, plus one inch). Fold in half and snip a 1/4-inch notch at the top and bottom edges of the fold.

Piece B & C - Lay the fabric flat, right side facing up, and fold over one edge about 9 inches. Place the pattern along the fold, pin into place, and cut out. Snip a 1/4-inch notch at the top and bottom edges along the fold; you'll align these notches to match up with the ones in piece A. Repeat this step, so you end up with two identical pieces (B & C).

Step 2:

Fold piece A in half with the right sides together, matching up the two short ends. Stitch a 1/2-inch seam along this edge, backstitching at each end. Iron this seam open (each side of the seam allowance is pressed flat against fabric). Then turn piece A right side out.

Align the raw edges of piece A and piece B, with right sides of the fabric together. You will want to match up one of the notches on piece B with one of the notches on piece A, and match the other notch on piece B to the seam join on piece A. Pin piece A into place around the circumference of piece B. Stitch a 1/2-inch seam along the pinned edge, backstitching at each end, taking it slowly around the curved corners. (It's easiest to keep piece A on top while stitching.) Make a few small snips into your seam allowance around the curved corners, being careful not to cut into your stitching.

Repeat and sew piece C to the other raw edge of piece A, leaving a 6-inch opening along one of the short sides so you can turn your cushion right side out and stuff it. Iron a 1/2-inch seam allowance in the opening. turn the cushion right side out and iron.

Step 3:

Fill the cushion with kapok to your desired firmness. (Keep in mind the cushion will compress over time.) Pin the opening closed and hand stitch along the folded edges of the opening to close the seam.

You're the best thing since...

Check this out on Etsy. Enjoy your Wednesday everyone!

Benefits of the Avocado (and a trick!)

Choosing an avocado is fairly easy... the ripe fruits have a darker skin color and are firm, but slightly bounce to the touch. Too hard? Not ripe. Too mushy? Too ripe. Be careful of bruises and dings, these can cause the fruit to rot on the inside, causing discolored, inedible spots.

Did you know the seed helps keep the beautiful green shade of the avocado fruit? 

If you're slicing a half to eat, I recommend eating the half without the seed first. If you're preparing a yummy guacamole, save the seed and nestle into the guacamole until you're ready to serve. Don't be deterred to try, the avocado has a bad rap for having an unhealthy reputation. But guess what... it's great for you (in moderation, of course)! Here are some of the health benefits to eating avocados from healthdiaries.com:

• Oral Cancer Defense
• Prostate Cancer Prevention
• Breast Cancer Protection - high in oleic acid
• Eye Health - has more carotenoid lutein than any other commonly consumed fruit
• Lower Cholesterol - high in beta-sitosterol
• Heart Health - high levels of folate, vitamin E, monounsaturated fats, and gluthathione
• Stroke Prevention - high levels of folate
• Better Nutrient Absorption when eaten with other foods, try adding to a salad
• Gluthathione Source - an important antioxidant that researchers say are important in preventing aging, cancer and heart disease
• Vitamin E Powerhouse

Let me know how it works for you!

Time-Saving Label Decoding

"Organic"

Items that are 100% organic are certified to having been produced using only environmentally-friendly methods: made without potentially harmful pesticides, fertilizers, antibiotics, synthetic hormones or genetic engineering. It can also mean the item contains at least 95% organic ingredients.

Organic foods can cost up to 50% more than non-organic products, so don't break the bank just yet... you don't have to buy all organic. Helpful hint: when it comes to fruits and veggies that have thin skins, like peaches, pears, apples, tomatoes, peppers, and so on, buy organic to guarantee a pesticide-free product. 

"100% Natural"

Items that are 100% natural do not contain artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, as well as synthetic ingredients. Careful, because these items can be high in sugar, fat and calories. Check the nutrition label for low values in sugar and saturated fat.

"Fat Free"

Items that are fat free contain less than 0.5 grams of fat per serving. Lowering fat intake can help lower your overall daily calorie intake. Manufacturers often add extra sugar or starch... Real Simple suggests skipping the tasteless fat-free items and choose a low-fat or full-fat version in a smaller quantity. (And I agree! Your craving will be satisfied and you're still not consuming too much fat.)

"No Trans Fat"

Items that are trans fat free contain less than 0.5 grams of trans fats per serving. Trans fats are associated with raising bad cholesterol and lowering good cholesterol... in a few words STAY AWAY! Avoid any item with "hydrogenated" or "partially hydrogenated" in the ingredient list.

"Heart Healthy"

Items that are heart-healthy are low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium and also do not contain any trans fats. They also contain only three grams or less of fat per serving and have at least 0.6 grams of soluble fiber. These products can help you eat right, but don't shut out other choices just because they aren't heart-healthy.

Best bet to really know what you're ingesting? Really learn how to read the nutrition label. Whole Foods, among other grocers, offer free shopping tours and classes to teach smart shopping, read labels, find deals and the like. Take advantage!

For a complete list of the labels mentioned in the Food Labels, Decoded in the Real Simple, March 2008 issue. 
Label image from Cleveland Clinic website.

U-topia Bar & Grill: Washington, D.C.

Main singer and trumpet/harmonica player of Collector's Edition.

U-topia Bar & Grill is the perfect blend of music, food, art, drink, service and soul. As you walk through the door, you are instantly greeted, seated and orders promptly taken. Even though I didn't partake in the food (regretting now), the steamed mussels, marinated tomato white wine sauce or a lemon caper cream sauce, and pan-fried brie, with a plum sauce, smelled, looked and even sounded (the oohs-and-aahs from my companions) delicious. The wine ordered was a Cotes du Rhône Domain L'Enclos... perfect for the evening at the jazz club. Even though the food and wine were superb... nothing could beat the awesome tunes coming from the jazz band, Collector's Edition. Vocal bee-bop beats mixed with Cuban drums, keyboard, trumpet, bass, drums, occasional harmonica and the late-coming sax created an evening full of head-bobbing and smiles...

Happy Humblebee!

Acoustic boards along the ceiling.

Guest singer of the evening.

Candlelit table for four, please.

Overall, the perfect Friday evening experience. If you're visiting or living in the area, be sure to stop by. You won't be disappointed. And just to note, they have a sister restaurant, Soussi; next on the list!

•  •  •

For an interesting read:  

http://www.utopiaindc.com/about-us.html

U-topia Bar & Grill

1418 U Street Northwest

Washington, D.C. 20009

For Reservations call: 202-483-7669

As always, all artwork/photography posted on The Humblebee Hive blog are property and under copyright of Ashley Stuart. I am honored when my artwork is used for inspiration, so shoot me an email or comment below sharing the inspiration you've gathered from this blog. Please contact for more information on purchase and/or public use.

Wisteria in Spring

Pitt Street in the Old Village, Mt. Pleasant, SC.

As always, all artwork/photography posted on The Humblebee Hive blog are property and under copyright of Ashley Stuart. I am honored when my artwork is used for inspiration, so shoot me an email or comment below sharing the inspiration you've gathered from this blog. Please contact for more information on purchase and/or public use.