Startup with SOUL

Start-up with SOUL

''Soul''

"The principle of life, feeling, thought, and action in humans, regarded a distinct entity 

separate from the body, and commonly held to be separable in existence from the body; the spiritual part of humans as distinct from the physical part."

The soul is a subject that has always intrigued me, it's like this unseen intelligence with extraordinary capabilities unique to each one of us. I read an article the other day focused on how soul is a vital ingredient in giving our businesses a vibe. These vibes are found at the core of most sustained businesses with passionate owners.

Personally, I tend to agree with that statement. Entrepreneurial soul gives us purpose and keeps us present and interested in what we do. Sure it may leave me kicking chairs over sometimes but more importantly, it's this real, and pure feeling. This feeling, to buyers shows that we not only believe in what we do, but that we love it also. For me, its about creating a brand with an authentic spirit. If people look at it from the proper perspective they can easily see the passion that drives these companies, and if not, it's likely just this unconscious feeling that leaves them wanting to buy from us. 

It's been a long time dream of mine to open my own shop where I can express my own individuality through my passions, and translate them into something not only I enjoy. Unfortunately a dream isn't always a business. So what's the difference in a dream and a passion? 

A dream, for me is often a snapshot moment of ideal perfection.  A passion however, is this ongoing infatuation that compels us. I think it's safe to say that the idea of owning my own business has been around long enough to preclude it being just a dream but how do we put the fear of failure aside and take the next step? 

I believe, the next step is to discover whether we have enough passion to go along with the owning, running, and sacrificing part of being an entrepreneur. It takes much more than passion to build and sustain a successful business. The hard part, how do you take an in-the-moment, passionate, hippy and get them to sit down a put together a business plan? 

Like most of my writing, I'm really just thinking our loud here.. 

Time will tell. 

DIY Ornaments

DIY Ornaments 

If you're looking to create your own Ornaments, here's what you'll need: 

- Several small twigs 

- Feathers of your choice 

- Wooden beads 

- Hemp twine 

- Upholstery webbing

Once you have gathered all the necessary pieces, start breaking the twigs into roughly five inch pieces. Dab a small amount of hot glue onto the stem of the feather to adhere them to the twig. 

Dependent on the season, you can choose different colour beads to achieve different looks. Personally, I'd like to use these year-round so I've decided to use a mixture of colours. 

You can vary the sizes and colours, or if a more natural look appeals to you,  skip the beads all together. 

Next, it's time to cut some "arrow heads". For this I chose upholstery webbing for the rustic look and sturdy material. Cut two triangles for each arrow and try not to worry too much about what they look like. The material will fray a bit, however, once they're glued together it looks fine. Now, glue the twig to one of the triangles as shown in the photo below, followed by the other triangle on top and hold until secure. 

Lastly, the rather tedious process of tying the hemp twine to turn them into ornaments. Wrap the twine around the twig a few times at the arrow end, then tie. Leave a little slack for hanging and tie between the beads at the opposite end.

 And.. you're done !

DIY Homemade Coffee Bean Candles

DIY Crafts by NEV Designs 

If you're looking to create your own Coffee Bean Candles here's what you'll need: 

- 2 bags of coffee beans 
- 6 round glass vases 
- 6 candles of your choice (I chose pumpkin spice) 
- Raffia or some type of twine 

From the pictures this craft is pretty self explanatory, first you'll want to fill each vase with coffee beans. 

Wrap the raffia around each vase several times, and then knot. 

Nestle a candle into each vase, and enjoy. 

Thanks for reading! 

NV

NEV Designs

DIY Fall Burlap Utensil Holders

DIY Crafts by NEV Designs

If you're looking to create your own Burlap Utensil Holders here's what you'll need: 

- Paint of your choice

- Burlap bags or fabric 

- Cardboard 

- Painters tape 

- Paint brush 

First you'll want to cut a piece of cardboard and slip it into the burlap bag to ensure your paint doesn't bleed through the fabric. 

Next, you'll want to use your painters tape to mark off the area around where you're painting before applying the first colour of your choice. Personally, I went with a fall theme as we're fast approaching my all-time favourite season. 

Once you've finished applying your second colour, you'll want to remove the cardboard while the paint is still somewhat wet, this will avoid it sticking to the bag. 

Now you're ready to add a napkin and some utensils to finish off this cheap and festive addition to your thanksgiving place setting. If you're entertaining you could add welcoming words/names of your guests to add a friendly and personalized touch, like I have below. 

Thanks for reading!

NV 

NEV Designs

DIY Birch Bark Picture Frames

DIY Crafts by NEV Designs

If you're looking to create your own Birch Bark Picture Frames here's what you'll need: 

- Birch Bark (You're best to find a tree that has just been cut down or fallen. Trees that are dead will be too brittle and you shouldn't cut it off a living tree for obvious reasons) 

- A thick utility knife 

- C-clamps (The more of these you have the easier and quicker the process) 

- Wood glue 

- A ruler 

- A picture frame 

 

First, you'll want to soak the birch bark in water for an hour or so to ensure it's pliable. After this, place the pieces under something heavy while it dries (recommended overnight) to flatten the bark. 

 

The next day, the bark should be dry and ready for you to cut to fit the size of the frame. For this I use a thick utility knife, but you could also use scissors if preferred.

Once you have the bark cut to the size of your frame, you'll want to use your wood glue generously to adhere the two together. Place the bark onto the frame and tighten your C-clamps on top the bark to hold the two together while they dry. Personally, I could have used more clamps than I had at the time. 

The best part about rustic décor is that it doesn't have to be perfect, so don't be afraid to try this out! Not only will you save yourself money, but you'll find yourself happier with the finished product knowing you made it yourself. 

Thanks for reading! 

NV 

NEV Designs

DIY Mason Jar Planters

DIY Crafts by NEV Designs

If you want to create your own Mason Jar Planter's here's what you'll need:

- Mason or Ball Jars (These can be found at your local Walmart or Canadian Tire)
- Paint brushes
- Chalk Paint of your Choice
- Fine Sand Paper or Wet Paper Towel
- Flowers of your Choice. 

Simply paint on two coats of paint, for this particular craft I've chosen an Arles, Paris Grey, Old White, and my all time favourite Provence chalk paint. 

Once dry, use your fine sand paper and sand the surface lightly with a sanding block. It's important to let the paint dry entirely beforehand. 

For this particular blog I've chosen to make planters, however, these jars could be used for many other purposes. 

Now, we simply trim the flowers and we're done! 

Thanks for reading ! 

NV

NEV Designs