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Reader Showcase: Summer 2013

Sunday marks the start of a brand new season, so you know what that means?  Yes, I will soon be making mulled cider like it’s going out of style, and it’s time for the next installment of The Thinking Closet Reader Showcase!

“What’s The Reader Showcase?” you ask.

Well, it started last spring when I started receiving the most uplifting emails from readers telling me they not only enjoyed my tutorials, but had actually tried them out!  I begged for photos with promises of virtual chai lattes and hugs, and the images started spilling in.  Some of you even wrote blog posts inspired by something you had seen here at The Thinking Closet.  Every time one of you reached out to me, I felt like this:

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And it made me want to do this:

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So, there and then, I decided to take a moment at the end of each season to do a post where I turn the spotlight on YOU all, dear readers, and showcase some of the awesome creations that YOU have created.  So, sit back and relax, while I do a little jig and celebrate YOU, YOU, YOU!

{And there’s nothing you can do about it, so you might as well enjoy it.  See: Betty White’s enjoying it.}

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Reader Showcase: Summer 2013

Note: If you’d like to pin some of these projects, please click through to the blogs from whence they came to honor the original source (if there’s a post on it).  Also, I’ll link to the original tutorials in case others would like to give some of these a try, too.  Now, let the good times roll!

Reader Showcase: Summer 2013

Filing cabinets are being filled globally, people, and not just with paper…but with neatly organized FABRIC!  These readers found inspiration in my Filing Fabric post and shared their newly organized fabric systems.  Check ’em out:

Reader Showcase: Summer 2013 at thinkingcloset.com
Felt Organization & Scrapbook Embellished File Folders by Amanda from Design Sprinkle
Reader Showcase: Summer 2013 at thinkingcloset.com
Filed Fabric by “Dinky Di” by new friend from Australia.  She works for an awesome organization, World Families Australia.  Check ’em out!

And if you don’t have a filing cabinet, what’s to say you can’t get creative like Teresa did, and use a three drawer rolling cart instead?

Reader Showcase: Summer 2013 at thinkingcloset.com
Rolling Cart Fabric Storage by Crafty Wife

Or like Lieschen, who used clear vertical filing boxes!  She also did something very clever and instead of cutting apart the folders, she left them intact and stored zippers and patterns within.  Smart cookie!

Reader Showcase: Summer 2013 at thinkingcloset.com
Fabric Organized in Clear Filing Boxes by AllThingsThatAreGood

My Menu Planner To Rule Them All motivated a few different readers to create their own renditions, and I’m really digging their color schemes!

Reader Showcase: Summer 2013 at thinkingcloset.com
DIY Menu Board by Rowdy in Room 300
Reader Showcase: Summer 2013 at thinkingcloset.com
Menu Planner by high school teacher, Emme. (Hooray for teachers!)
Reader Showcase: Summer 2013 at thinkingcloset.com
My Menu Planner of Power by Here’s To Life

So, I don’t know if you know this, but there’s a revolution going on in blogland…and it’s a revolution of Revamped “About” Pages!  I was honored when The SITS Girls picked up my post on How to Revamp Your “About” Page this summer; well, that post was met with a whole new assortment of eyes who decided to go all Edward Scissorhands on their “About” Pages in order to paint a clearer picture of themselves to their readers.  So, if you want to see some new and improved “About” pages that will make you laugh, smile, and maybe even tear up a bit, I strongly encourage you to pay these lovely ladies a visit:

Kirsten – One Tough Mother

Abby – Just a Girl & Her Blog

Melissa – Live Your Verb

Echo – Life’s Like This

Jess – Objessions

Lorelai – Life with Lorelai

Sarah – Snow Globe Shaken

Amanda – Buckiddo

Renee – The Next Chapter

I love seeing the unique fabrics people use when making their own burp cloths from my Burp Cloth Tutorial for the Beginner Sewist.  Here are some great ones for “him” and “her.”

Reader Showcase: Summer 2013 at thinkingcloset.com
Burp Rags & Bobby Covers, Oh My! by The Threaded Chickadee
Reader Showcase: Summer 2013 at thinkingcloset.com
Burp Cloths by Hazel Dell Quilts

Remember when I shared a tutorial on How to Create a Blog Signature in Your Own Handwriting?  Well, Allison went to the moon and back with that one, creating a font in her own handwriting…and then inviting four of her friends to do the same.  They’re available for free download here.

Reader Showcase: Summer 2013 at thinkingcloset.com
The Free Fonts Project by Dream a Little Bigger

So, my jaw practically hit the floor when my MIL sent me an email saying that my Operation Closet Organization post inspired her to tackle her craft cabinet…mostly because she is one of the most organized people on the planet, and the inspiration is usually the other way around!  But I was flattered beyond belief, especially when she started quoted Chicago lyrics to me in her email: “You’re the inspiration….”  Here’s her lovely “after” shot:

Reader Showcase: Summer 2013 at thinkingcloset.com
Craft Cabinet Organization by The Organizational Queen, Mom Lanker Herself!

Okay, so let’s check out some Silhouette inspiration!

My very first Silhouette project was my “A Thousand Thanks Card”, which Melanie created as her first Silhouette project, adding some cute sketch pen details to boot!

Reader Showcase: Summer 2013 at thinkingcloset.com
Adding Sketch Pen Detail to Silhouette Cuts by It Happens In A Blink

Amsical created a loving housewarming gift for her friends using the free cut file from my Burlap Love Banner Tutorial.  Doesn’t that knitted scrapbook paper just exude coziness?

Reader Showcase: Summer 2013 at thinkingcloset.com
Love Bunting by The Fanciful Frog

One of my favorite Silhouette projects that I’ve done this year has been my D.I.Y. Subway Art Canvas that I created for my friend, Gianna.  Well, Cortney found some inspiration in my design and made her own version…with an awesome quote!

Reader Showcase: Summer 2013 at thinkingcloset.com
Quote Canvas by Cortney from 2 Creative Crafters

Lorie used the free cut file from my Toddler Train T-Shirt Tutorial to create a train onesie…and then, she went wild and created a whole bunch more of the cutest onesies you ever did see!  Aren’t they darling?  She gifted them to her niece who is expecting.

Reader Showcase: Summer 2013 at thinkingcloset.com
It’s a Onesie Party! Created by the amazing Lorie K.

Here’s another great example of a reader taking inspiration and running with it.  My Freezer Paper Stencil Tutorial pushed Camila over the edge to try the method on a onesie for her little girl.  Then, she added antennae and button embellishments to make it all the more precious.

Reader Showcase: Summer 2013 at thinkingcloset.com
Titi’s Freezer Paper Stenciled Butterflies Onesie by Titi Crafty

And remember the Wedding Scrapbook I made for my friends, Justine & Andrew?  Well, I was floored to learn that my post inspired Allison to finally finish her wedding scrapbook…and boy did she knock it out of the park.  You go, girl!

Reader Showcase: Summer 2013 at thinkingcloset.com
Wedding Scrapbook Part 3 by Polka Dots & Paisley

Okay, last, but most definitely not least, I have to share with you the business cards that Gabby created after reading about My New MOO Business Cards that I created for Haven blog conference this August.  Be sure to check out her post, especially if you have Photoshop Elements, because she walks you through the steps of how to design your own.

Reader Showcase: Summer 2013 at thinkingcloset.com
How to Design Custom Business Cards by Essentially Eclectic

Between this round-up and My First Blogiversary, September has been a month for the record books…and it’s all because of my awesome readers.  Thanks for all that YOU do to inspire me on a daily basis.

If you’ve been showcased…

…feel free to grab a featured button!

I was featured in the Reader Showcase at The Thinking Closet!
Right click to copy the url/save as

If You Want More Reader Awesomeness…

…take a look back at the Spring Reader Showcase!

Reader Showcase: Spring 2013 | The Thinking Closet

A Call

The Reader Showcase is officially now a regular series in these parts, so at the end of each season, I’ll be posting more of your projects inspired by The Thinking Closet here for the world to see.  If you’ve ever created something in the past that was inspired by something you saw on this blog or if you do so in the future, please send me a photo or two of your creation to thethinkingcloset {at} gmail.com.  And if you have a blog or are on social media, I’ll happily link to it!  I just love promoting y’all.  Plain n’ simple.

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46 Comments

    1. Yes, weren’t those menus out-of-this-world amazing? And I got to see Rachael’s organized closet in person this past weekend, which she recently gave a makeover with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint! (It looks awesome.) Yes, the inspiration is so cyclical…good thing none of us are running out of creative ideas, so it just “goes on and on and on!” (As the song goes.)

  1. Now the gif of that little girl from Maryismyhomegirl kind of looks like she could be one of your and Mark’s offspring…so cute! (Hope that doesn’t freak you out but it was a kind of precious thought to me) :-).

    Seeing all these great projects inspired by your posts warmed my heart…it was so much fun to see people carrying out their own versions of your creative ideas!
    That is so neat that Mom Lanker was inspired to organize her craft closet due to your post!

    What a great idea to have this quarterly feature! xxoo

    1. Ha ha, no, that doesn’t freak me out…and I kind of love the idea of having a child like that someday. She seems like a lot of fun!

      And I’m glad you’re digging this quarterly feature! It rocks my world to pull it together; reminds me about why I’m doing this and causes me to thank God for giving me such responsive and creative readers. (And yes, that includes you!)

  2. Oh my Lauren! As if you don’t give inspiration enough for me to get going on projects, now all these talented friends of yours are practically screaming “Go make it, now!”
    I so enjoyed seeing all the creative spins and variations on your original ideas. Plus it’s a fun reminder of all that you’ve been up to this past year. My filing cabinet and fabric are still calling to me, so maybe it’s time to get it done!

    1. I love pulling the Reader Showcase together because like you, I enjoy the walk down memory lane…I’m reminded of projects that I’ve (alas!) forgotten about. And also, it’s a reminder to me of the incredible creativity gifted to us by God above! The wonderful cycle of inspiration never ceases to amaze and humble me.

      And if you hearken to the cries of your filing cabinet and fabric, you KNOW I’m going to demand pictures! So, have your camera charged up and at the ready, my friend!

  3. Hi Lauren,

    Just wanted to thank you for featuring me – and the other lovely ladies – in this post! I am thrilled each time I discover a new great blog to follow. Isn’t it nice to find community with a bunch of other talented, creative ladies? Congrats to everyone who is expressing their creativity on here, whether with words paint or fabric. Girl power! I will proudly put your badge on my site.

    – Lis

    1. Lis, it IS so nice to find such a vibrant and supportive community out here in blogland. I had no idea such a world existed until I dove in myself one year ago. It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’m ever so thankful for the fine folk I’ve met through blogging, yourself included. Thanks so much for wearing my button on your blog with pride. Just checked it out, and I grinned from ear to ear. (Aw, shucks.)

    1. Thanks for the affirming words, my friend. And it’s a joy to shout-out to Just a Girl and Her Blog! You’re one of my faves! (But shhhh…don’t tell anyone.) 😉

  4. Wow, what a wonderful post! It seems you’re the one being inspired to keep doing what you’re doing because it’s truly appreciated.

    1. It’s a wonderful cycle of inspiration, isn’t it?! It’s one of my favorite things about being a blogger. And I hear from your daughter that you two will have a blog up and running very soon. Eek! I’m so excited for you!

  5. Thanks so much for featuring my menu planner. After seeing yours that was my very first project I insisted on doing for our new house. My kids and I used it this week to get ready for our first week there. I’m excited to read some of the other featured posts and some of yours I didn’t know about!

    -jFree

      1. You’re so welcome, Jess! I’m so glad your menu planner is serving your family well. And to answer your question, I’ll direct you to a post I found that shares the detailed instructions for adding a button to a blogger sidebar. (I’m on WordPress.) Essentially, you want to right click on the image, save as, add it to your computer…then, use the tutorial to go from there. Best of luck!

  6. Wow! How awesome to inspire so many wonderful peeps! They have really done an amazing job emulating your projects. I shouldn’t be surprised though. You have been an inspiration to me, for sure! Way to go Lauren!!! Hugs and virtual coffee! 🙂

    1. Aw, thanks for the kindness, Bethany. I feel the same way about you, my friend. One day…yes, one day we’ll transform that virtual coffee into real life laughing coffee. 😉 #lookingforwardtoit

    1. You know what Al, it feels like this beautiful cycle of inspiration. My project inspired another project, which in turn inspires me to keep to creating, which inspires others to keep creating…. It’s unending, and I love it! Thanks for allowing me to share your awesome Wedding Scrapbook today; I’m so happy that you finished it and with gusto!

  7. So many great tutorials! I just love it! I really like the menu planners and the fabric filing systems. Genius. Umm, also huge shout out to the ADORABLE onsies! Just precious. Man, girl, you are just awesome.

    1. I’m awesome? You’re awesome. These featured readers are awesome. In fact, there’s so much awesomeness happening right now, I think my computer might explode! (No, but seriously, you rock. And your comments never fail to fill my heart with joy. Thank you, Dusty!)

    1. Way to be encouraging, Kelly! If we were giving out superlatives, I’d have to give you, “Best Blogging Spirit.” You seriously have such a positive attitude. In fact, your blog title just might be prophetic.

  8. This is such a great idea and post, Lauren! I love, love, love it! I may have to copy you. And oh my gosh, that smiling little girl – I can totally picture you doing that. And Betty White?! LOVE!

    1. Copy away, my friend! I was inspired by Ashley from Make It and Love It who has a flickr page for her readers to post photos of projects they’ve made using her tutorials; then, every so often, she does a feature post. I just collect them myself or readers send me emails now and then, but I was amazed at how large the collection had grown by this week! I guess our tutorials aren’t falling on deaf ears!

      Ha ha, glad you liked the gifs, too. I could spend all day on Tumblr, finding fun gifs. In fact, I have spent all day, looking at gifs on Tumblr. #probablyshouldntadmitthat

  9. Yayyyy Lauren I’m so honored!!! Thanks so much for featuring my Onesie. It was a lovely project and I had so much fun doing it and how wouldn’t be with such a great inspiration you share! Woot woot I’m so excited!!!

    XOXO
    Cami

    1. Thanks for sharing your infectious excitement in this comment, Cami. You are such a gem, and I’m so glad our paths have crossed out here in blogland. Your onesie is one of my all-time faves…and thanks for inspiring me in return with how you made it your own. You are so creative!

    1. I had to shine some light on you, Kirsten! That “About Me” page is seriously awesome. You are such a riveting writer and talented blogger…not to mention a gem of a gal. Love back atcha.

    1. Of course, Jess! I’m just so glad that my tutorial was helpful for you. And you know I would love to feature the custom Objessions font in my next Reader Showcase! Keep me posted on how it goes. 🙂

  10. Thanks so much for the Link Love and Showcase of my About Page! 🙂 Your tutorial was fabulous. This showcase is an awesome idea, and I can’t wait to explore everyone’s blogs. Lauren, you just keep on inspiring me. 🙂

    ~Lorelai
    Life With Lorelai

    1. You are so welcome, Lorelai! It was a joy to get to feature you and your rockin’ “About” page. And I appreciate the high praise! I really do want my blog to be a place where people find inspiration unending, so your comment is extremely affirming for me. Hugs!

    1. Ha ha. I often imagine my life as a musical, so people singing out lyrics is fine by me! 😉 Thanks for meeting my friends today, Katherine…and for being a constant source of inspiration for me. Looking back at the Spring Reader Showcase, it was fun to revisit your awesome book page birthday banner!

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