November 5, 2012
FROM THE DESK OF | laura parke

Laura and I first ‘met’ when we were both chosen by Erin Loechner of Design for Mankind to contribute to her blog as she was getting ready for her sweet new addition to her family. Over the past couple months, I have been in awe with each and every one of Laura’s fabulous DIY projects not only on her column MakeKind, but on her own blog a girl who makes. I don’t know how she does it! I’m lucky to count her as one of my blogger friends, and we both share a unique ability to dress up in pattern on pattern ensembles while around the house. It’s special. 

Hello! My name is Laura Parke and I love to craft. I’m constantly dreaming up what I can make next whether it’s a pencil holder, an art piece or a necklace to give to my best friend for her birthday. I’m a graphic designer by day, residing in Kansas City with my husband. When I’m not working with my glue gun, I enjoy baking, traveling and eating ice cream.

What gets you jazzed?

I get jazzed about unique color combinations, hand-written letters, ice cream,trips to California to visit family, dreaming about the future and polka dots!

Where do you go to find inspiration, and what are you inspired by?

This might sound strange but I am inspired by a trip to the hardware store. I love discovering new materials and my mind just goes crazy with possibilities there. Also, I’m not afraid of power tools.

Tell me a little about this project and how it was inspired:

As paillettes had been popping up in fashion I kept thinking how I could get in on the trend. It wasn’t until I was in a fabric store searching for supplies for another project, when it all of a sudden it dawned on me. I noticed the vinyl upholstery fabric people generally use for car interiors and restaurant booths and it all came together. I could punch my own circles of leather (or vinyl like I used) and make my own version of layering paillettes. I love the crispness of them and the layering gives the belt such texture. The project was pretty easy, so I’d love to make myself a shirt or a skirt like the one shown. How fun would that be?

Find Laura’s DIY tutorial on how to make this belt yourself, here.

If you could give one tip to the rest of us, what would that be?

Choose love. Love yourself for who you are and love others for who they are. The world needs more love, don’t you think?

Lots of LOVE and thanks for Laura today for sharing her space and this inside look to her inspirations! For more on Laura, be sure to check out her blog a girl who makes for more fabulous DIY’s and tutorials.