Summery DIY Crafts, Lovely Dresses & Soothing Encouragement Now

Summery DIY Crafts, Pretty Dresses & Soothing Encouragement is likely to be random city, but since that’s exactly what my own life with its mixed bag of adventures feels, let’s keep things authentic, yeah?

French courtyard with bench, pea gravel, and pink flowers - Hello Lovely Studio.
The mirror above with a French poem stencil is one of my favorite easy DIYs!

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Summery DIY Crafts, Pretty Dresses & Soothing Encouragement

Any cares distracting or tormenting you right where you are? Mary Oliver has a prescription:

Mary Oliver quote on Hello Lovely Studio to encourage and uplift. #maryoliver #encouragementquote #naturequotes #poetry

Is it Time to Get Crafting?

This summer has been busy with renovation projects at the new place, and my hands have been busy painting walls and trim.

Zen quote for mindfulness, peace, and greater awareness on Hello Lovely Studio. #zenquotes #mindfulnessquotes

I take a little time each day at the piano, but I have the itch to create art and get crafty too! Last summer, I experimented with a few natural dye projects including avocado pits:

I started with t-shirts, but blush pink cotton napkins would be sweet…

100% cotton white cloth napkins
100% Cotton Napkins – Summery DIY Crafts as well as random lovely!

tie dyed tank tops…

and maybe some cozy PJs:

Lovely Dresses to Consider

Enjoying the Little Things

Are you seeking beauty in the little things?

LIVING FULLY: a list of peaceful goals and strategies for simpler, slower, Zen - Hello Lovely Studio. #livingfully #lifehacks #peacefulliving
PIN me! Summery DIY Crafts as well as encouraging quotes to pin!

And are they little things, or are they EVERYTHING? Here’s a delicious little thing I need to start making again:

Ideas for Summer Meals

Does your cooking change quite a bit in summer? Ours sure does. My favorite dinner these days is a quick and easy one. I like doctoring prewashed, pre-assembled salad kits and find I can get creative with ease.

I’ll quickly grill a thin chicken breast or stir fry steak and add to a Southwest Style or Broccoli Slaw type salad mix along with a liberal amount of baby spinach leaves and a sprinkle of garbanzo beans, nuts, and dried berries.

Creativebug offers thousands of online art and crafts classes!
So much DIY goodness – try it HERE

If you happen to be frequenting pool parties or BBQs and need ideas for a salad to bring:

When my kitchen is a working one again and I have more time? I am never not in the mood for shrimp scampi. While I don’t get to be liberal with butter in my recipes (low-fat is about survival for this hungry fairy, doncha know), I love all of Alison Roman’s dishes:

Virtual Globetrotting

Lots of folks are traveling this summer, but plenty cannot for a myriad of reasons. That’s where the internet can offer a bit of comfort. Say you feel like strolling in Paris and dropping by a cute shop or fresh market? You can almost smell the smells through the screen so go right ahead:

Get Inspired by Modern French Decor

Why not just begin with the best there is?

Pamela Pierce designed moment of French elegance with antique olive pots flanking an arched stone entrance with lanterns. #pamelapierce #frenchcountry #olivejars #stonesurround #frontdoor #archeddoor
Pamela Pierce

Study designs from Pam Pierce and issues of Milieu to train your eye for simplicity and pleasing juxtaposition.

Modern French and minimal white living room with rustic shutters and all white interior design by Pamela Pierce. #pamelapierce #livingroom #modernfrench #allwhitedecor #frenchcountry
Design: Pamela Pierce; Photo: Miguel Flores Vianna for Milieu
Elegant exterior Christmas decor with a French country feel by Pamela Pierce of Milieu.
Milieu

Summery Craft Idea: Paper Flowers

Whether you add fresh or paper flowers, branches, or nothing at all to a white pot like this (below), its pleasing silhouette is bound to charm you this summer.

Spring is in the air! French country courtyard with beautiful bench, blue blooms, and stone wall - Hello Lovely Studio.
Spring DIY Decor Projects as well as Shelter at Home Ideas

Make a Humble Bird House

I commissioned my husband to make this humble bird house, inspired by a dear friend’s passing. She was a nature lover, and when last we were together, the tumor in her brain had stolen most of her vision and hearing.

Still, she remained mobile and energetic as she fed birds and chubby squirrels gathered on the temple of her wood deck. The beauty of my longtime friend, stripped of her senses, hair, and time will remain with me always (and I don’t mean, bless her heart, what a pitiful sight, I mean Pure Beauty with a capital infinitely lovely B).

A DIY bird house we made - Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio

As she tossed handfuls of seed-like colorful confetti through the sky, I kept thinking about that conversation with Peter and Christ. “Do you love me?” Yes, Lord. “Feed my sheep.”

It wasn’t just the birds and squirrels fed that day. What a blessing to pray, reminisce, laugh, and hold hands.

French courtyard with pink potted flowers, pea gravel, boxwood, and light grey bench - Hello Lovely Studio.

We planned our next ‘party’ (there would be foot massages and wearing of a spectacular new wig made from a daughter’s tresses), but my pal flew home before we could gather again.

I don’t know what you and yours will face in the coming months and years, but since we just don’t know, may I be bold?

Say the loving things now.

Don’t wait for a moment to materialize where it feels more appropriate or less awkward.

If only you knew the number of awkward moments I have created singlehandedly! I’m a messy fumbling mess with my people. It’s a gift!

Feed each other love. Let your voice shake and quiver. It’s okay to be vulnerable. Let tenderness flow with tears from your eyes.

Back to bird house making. We used reclaimed wood from a vintage dresser I salvaged so it feels even more special.

Here are the instructions:

Glennon Doyle quote about crying on Hello Lovely Studio. #glennondoyle #inspirationalquotes #glennondoyle

DIY Plaster Dipped Flower Art

Here’s a super easy craft I have done for years.

My plaster dipped white roses were created simply and now sit atop the piano with a framed vintage print - Hello Lovely Studio. #diy #plasterflowers #vintagestyle #hellolovelystudio
Hello Lovely Studio’s plaster dipped white roses and a framed vintage print.

You may be familiar with the beautiful blog So Much Better With Age, and here is Jamie’s awesome tutorial for an adaptation of those dipped flowers.

So Much Better With Age

Discover even more easy elegant French DIY projects in Jamie’s book:

Glennon Doyle quote from "Untamed" about grace. #glennondoyle #quotes #inspirationalquotes #faithquote #gracequotes #spiritualgrowth #faithjourney

Summer Exercise Idea

Need a nudge to get moving?

This is the cruiser I have in silver:

For those of you who have little doggies and one of these with the back wheel rack…

Oh my!

Summer Learning Idea: The Science of Happiness

No, you are not too ancient for summer school. Did you know you can take a course at YALE on happiness for FREE? Yep. Here’s a great book I own on the subject:

Flourish book cover
Flourish by Martin E.P. Seligman

My clinical research on the subject often leads me here:

My fat-restricted diet allows me to indulge in a serving of 8 of these happy pills once in a while.

For a healthier dose of happy, these chewies (below) hit the spot (I could eat the whole bag since each serving is 1.5g of fat!):

Bake Someone Happy

How timeless and gorgeous is this pale pink beauty? Whether you have a Ph.D. in fondant or have no clue what fondant is, maybe this is a sweet time to learn a new skill like cake decorating.

Gorgeous pale blush pink decorated layer cake with roses - @sweetinkbynatasa #rosecakes #cakedecorating #blushpink
@sweetinkbynatasa

Greet a Groovy Green Accessory

Luxurious classic coastal style bedroom design in a magnificent bespoke traditional home from architectural design firm Geoff Chick & Associates. #coastalstyle #coastaldecor #bedroomdesign #interiordesign
Geoff Chick & Associates
Schumacher Citrus Garden pillow cover in Lime
Schumacher Citrus Garden Pillow Cover, DesignerModHome on Etsy
Thibaut Giselle Linen Pillow In Lime Green
Thibaut Giselle Linen Pillow, PillowFever on Etsy

Lovely Summer Wreath DIY

I’m so impressed by folks who make these handmade wreaths, and I’m even more impressed with folks who take the time to teach us! It is so much work creating even the simplest DIY video so my hat is off to creatives who teach! (Who cares if it says spring!?! Works for summer!)

Instant Wreath Beauty

I also found these readymade beauties:

Peony basket wreath  spring wreath  front door wreath
Peony Wreath, TheWhimsicalDoor on Etsy
Encouragement quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #encouragementquotes #strugglequotes

Spruce Up a Summery or Beachy Vignette With Glass Beads

Add Gentleness to Summer Road Trips

Honeydew Scrumptious travel pillow comes with a custom case, carrying bag and genius engineering! #luxurypillow #travelpillows
Honeydew Travel Pillow – super smart trio for traveling!

Relaxing music and flowers are always a winning combo.

Summer Shifts for Self-Care

Did you visit my collection of lovely quotes HERE?

It has been a summer of radical self-care for this girl. That treatment includes skin care, and if you haven’t already taken me up on trying Oak Essentials from Jenni Kayne…let this be your reminder. Try the travel size full routine to discover what you like most! You will fall in love as I have!

Here’s an oil I use regularly that works on body, scalp, split ends, cuticles, etc. No messy dropper or pump, just hold it upside down for a little drop to instantly drop.

Be your own kind of beautiful - uplifting quote on Hello Lovely Studio.

We began with words from Mary Oliver…let’s part with them too in this poetry excerpt which paints a portrait of how I aspire to somehow draw strength from the “velvet darkness” which sometimes appears:

Mary Oliver poetry to uplift and encourage on Hello Lovely Studio.

Thinking of each of you, thankful for your presence here.

My French country courtyard with stone walls, pink flowers, and French farmhouse decor - Hello Lovely Studio.

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

Thanks for shopping RIGHT HERE to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

Hello Lovely is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing
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Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing