front and center

Story pieces are a key part of my home - items that I've acquired through off-kilter adventures or I've purchased because of the mission behind the piece. I'd like to build a home that is wall to wall with not just things that appeal to the eye, but to the ear. I'd love to sit on my deep discount find couch and tell someone about the stories that are filling the room from the shelves, to the tables, to the walls. Since you can't come sit with me on my couch (which might I add is incredibly comfortable), just settle in wherever you are because I want to introduce you to three very dear things in my room. They hang together on a gallery wall above my dresser, right at the foot of my bed.

Say hello to Hello Hue. Lindsay is a blogger that I have followed for years now. She is my first check on instagram, my daily blog update to hunt for new posts, and my hands down favorite artist. Lindsay's intentional, thoughtful, and authentic message that she broadcasts to the world through her social media really struck a chord with me. She has two beautiful, spunky children who light up her instagram feed with their goofy grins. I've never met her, but I sincerely feel like she is a close friend, because of how she connects with people so purposefully through social media. Lindsay used to have an etsy shop named Hello Hue, which has since been discontinued. However, occasionally she'll have a pop up shop and I have been so blessed as to snag two of her paintings, one of which is literally front and center in my room.

Peeking up at the bottom of the photo above is a sweet print from Tread Studios. I found Tread at the Dallas Flea in October, down in Trinity Groves. Not only are their precious prints impeccibly done with divine lettering that I can't stop staring at, but part of their proceeds goes towards local charities. I love when purchases can help contribute to positive change for others, but Tread goes above and beyond, targeting charities that I feel are exceptional and focus on needs that are near and dear to me.

One of Tread's charities is Mercy Street Dallas, an inner-city program with the goal of building relationships and mentoring the younger generation to re-generate and overhaul the future of a community in West Dallas. Tread also contributes to Reach out and Read, a ministry with the mission of increasing child literacy by incorporating books into pediatric care and encouraging parents to read aloud to their children. I have a soft spot for children, a softer spot for reading, and the softest of spots for education. Go snag something for yourself from Tread! It will be both pretty and purposeful.

If that's not enough reason to want to support Tread, the founders (Rachel and Bryan) are teachers by trade and artists/philantrohpists/creatives/small business owners by passion. That hits me in such a tender tender spot and I am elated to support them in any way I can. Grace your walls with one of their lovely prints. You won't regret it!

Major props to the Dallas Flea for introducing me to not one but two awesome companies. (Ok, let's be honest, there were a lot more than just two, but we'll stick to these two for the sake of your time and this post.) In addition to Tread, I found Bespoken Art - a company that specializes in taking soundswaves from spoken words and turns them in to art for your walls. They can make some genuinely cool stuff, guys. Think soundwaves of your loved one saying or name, or your mom saying her favorite catchphrase. For someone as sappy and sentimental as myself, this is such a precious and unique product. While I hope to return to Bespoken Art someday to get a custom piece, for now I've settled for a print of Psalm 23 being read aloud. I love how it gives the subtle, special reminder of the Psalm without being actual text. I'm so naturally drawn to graphic prints with text that I have to work to move away from it so my walls aren't just screaming at me.

So if you want to make your walls a little brighter, go here, here, or here!

SaveSaveSave