An East Coast Trip and Sunday Morning Coffee

This past week, we enjoyed an East Coast trip that reminded me how much I love time with family and friends.

We started in Georgia at my brother and sister-in-law’s house in Atlanta, then spent four days at their home in Lake Oconee. We went to Washington, D.C., for my best friend’s daughter’s wedding. It was an amazing week with family and friends.

Houses and trees line the far shore of a calm lake under a partly cloudy sky, with reflections visible in the water.

Season 6 Volume 15

Thanks for joining me for Sunday Morning Coffee. This is a place to share, learn, explain, dream, and have fun.

A collage with a house exterior, a kitchen, a door with a wreath, text "Sunday Morning Coffee," and a Christmas ornament labeled "The Santa Family.

About Me

Three women stand and smile on a wooden deck by a lake, with trees in the background and a dog partially visible between them.

An East Coast Trip

We spent the first part of the week in Atlanta staying with my brother and sister-in-law, and it could not have been more wonderful. They also have a home at Lake Oconee, which is where we spent most of our time, and it truly felt like a little slice of paradise. The weather was absolutely perfect, the kind you wish you could bottle up and save.

A lakeside scene at sunset with boats docked at a pier, large trees, calm water, and a stone path leading to the shore.

We filled our days with boat rides out on the lake, long walks, and relaxed afternoons that somehow turned into the most memorable evenings. Every meal felt special, whether we were cooking at home or just gathering around the table together. There is something about being at the lake that makes everything slower, easier, and more meaningful.

A round wooden outdoor table set with placemats, napkins, cutlery, and wine glasses on a deck overlooking a lake at sunset.

What made it even more special was having my sister and her husband join us from Richmond. Having all of us together does not happen nearly often enough, and I found myself wishing we could press pause on the entire week. It was simple in the best way, just being together, laughing, catching up, and enjoying every minute.

Three women stand and smile at an indoor event, wearing patterned dresses. There are reflections and people visible through the glass doors behind them. — Me, the bride, and my best friend Maryliz

On Friday morning, we flew to Washington for my best friend’s daughter’s wedding, and it was absolutely beautiful.

A group of seven adults, four women and three men, stand together smiling outdoors by a waterfront in the evening. An American flag is visible in the background.

Everything about it felt joyful and meaningful, from the ceremony to the celebration that followed. It was one of those weddings where you can feel how much love surrounds the couple, and I left feeling so grateful to have been part of it.

A group of nine women sit and stand around a table at an outdoor restaurant at night, smiling at the camera. Some purses and drinks are visible on the table.

It was a full week, filled with so many different moments, all centered on the same thing. Being with the people we love.

Set of six green and white checkered packing cubes and pouches with mesh panels and zipper closures, perfect for organizing during your next trip. Shop now during the Amazon Big Spring Sale for exclusive deals!.

Narwey 6 Set/5 Set Compression Packing Cubes

A woven straw handbag with round handles and a wide, slightly curved shape—perfect for sunny days and now available during the Amazon Big Spring Sale.

Rattan Bag for Women

A set of empty travel-size toiletry containers in various shapes, including bottles, jars, pouches, and tools with black, white, and clear designs—perfect for stocking up during the Amazon Big Spring Sale.

Kitsch 11 PCS Travel Containers for Toiletries

My Latest Project

A woman in a pink sweater stands behind a table with several colorful tote bags in a well-organized fabric and craft room.

I am so excited to share what is coming next in my craft room.

I just finished my A Handmade Spring series, and I loved every minute of those twelve weeks. It was such a fun way to explore different projects and share new ideas each week.

A well-organized sewing room with two sewing machines, shelves of fabric, thread spools, and craft supplies neatly arranged on a white desk and pegboard.

I already have A Handmade Summer in the works, and that series will begin in just a few weeks with all new seasonal projects I cannot wait to share.

But before that starts, I am doing something a little different in May, and I think you are going to love it.

I am launching a new series called Mondays in the Craft Room. Each week, I am going to take you behind the scenes and share a more in-depth look at how I actually create. These posts will focus on specific techniques like machine embroidery, working with clay, painting, and more.

I will also be sharing some of my favorite crafting tools, tips that make projects easier, and a closer look at how I organize and use my craft room.

A pegboard with colorful spools of thread is mounted above an embroidery machine with a digital display and control buttons.

This series is a bit more personal and detailed, designed to help you feel more confident trying new things. Whether you are just getting started or looking to improve your skills, I hope these posts will be helpful and inspiring.

A well-organized craft room with large work tables, storage shelves, a sewing machine, a laptop, and bright natural light from a window.

The best part is that I already have the entire month of May planned, and I cannot wait to share it all with you.

I may sometimes use affiliate links on this blog, which means a small commission is earned if you purchase via the link. The price will be the same whether you use the affiliate link or go directly to the vendor’s website using a non-affiliate link.

A collection of 100 spools of thread arranged in rows, displaying a wide variety of colors from white and yellow to blue, green, purple, pink, brown, and black.

New brothread 80 Spools Polyester Embroidery Machine Thread

Brother embroidery and sewing machine with LCD display, embroidery hoops, presser feet, threads, tools, instructional DVDs, BES Blue Edition software, and a charming pink bow included in the complete accessory set.

Brother NQ3550W Sewing & Embroidery Machine

White plastic pegboard hooks are mounted on a brown perforated board, with one hook—perhaps prepping supplies for an east coast trip—holding a spool of light green thread in the lower right corner.

‘Just Hanging Pegboards’ Angled Spool Hooks

A Cricut cutting machine with various vinyl sheets, two cutting mats, a pen, a weeding tool, and a tablet displaying design software.

Cricut Maker 4

Singer Sewing Machine

A block of off-white modeling clay with a slightly uneven surface and rough edges.

Deouss Mid High Fire White Stoneware Clay

What Worked This Week

A grid of twelve spring-themed crafts, including painted dishes, seashells, floral pots, framed art, pillows, decorated eggs, and floral decorations arranged in bright, pastel colors.

I just wrapped up the twelfth and final project in my A Handmade Spring series, and I have to say, this one was such a joy from start to finish.

For twelve weeks, I shared a new craft every Friday, each one inspired by the season and designed to be approachable, creative, and fun. From clay projects and painted details to stitched pieces and spring florals, this series was all about celebrating the simple pleasure of making something with your hands.

I loved experimenting with new ideas, revisiting favorite techniques, and seeing how each project took on its own personality.

A wooden board with “The Beach House” engraved, holding two small dishes—one with an orange pattern and one with a lemon pattern—on a marble surface, beside a set of charming handmade cards. — Pretty Spring Clay Dishes Made with Decorative Fruit Napkins – A Handmade Spring

What made this series especially meaningful was hearing from so many of you who followed along, tried the projects, or saved them for later. That is always my goal. Not just to inspire, but to give you ideas you can actually use. Whether you made one project or all twelve, I hope it brought a little creativity and joy into your home this spring.

If you missed any of the projects, now is the perfect time to revisit them. Many of these crafts are not just for spring. They can easily be adapted for summer, fall, or even the holidays with different colors and materials. A simple change in palette or texture can give an entirely new look.

A light pink floral-patterned pillow rests on a white armchair next to a window and a green potted plant. — The Best Spring Pillow DIY – A Handmade Spring

I truly believe that creativity is something we can all make time for, even in small ways. And sometimes, the simplest projects are the most rewarding.

Thank you for being part of A Handmade Spring. I am already thinking about what to create next.

A grid of fruit-themed patterns: lemons on yellow, oranges on white, cherries on pink, and strawberries on red backgrounds, arranged in horizontal rows.

Floral Napkins for Craft 20Pcs Assorted

3pcs Large Metal Darning/Free Motion Sewing Machine Presser Foot

A 10 lb (4.5 kg) package of Amaco white air dry clay, labeled as easy to use, non-toxic, and made in the USA.

Air Dry Modeling Clay

Finish my list of craft projects for A Handmade Summer (yes! It’s coming next.)
Make thank you embroidery gifts for my siblings.
Start planning for my newest series, Mondays in the Craft Room.

A large bowl of colorful vegetable salad with shredded cabbage, carrots, red bell pepper, edamame, herbs, and seeds, with a spoon for serving.

This recipe for Crunchy Thai Salad with Peanut Dressing is amazing.

A small white wooden playhouse with gray steps, a red curtain, and a mailbox, situated on a patio near outdoor seating and plants.

This Backyard Kid’s Playhouse is so adorable!

A sliced berry mousse cake with layers of white and purple mousse, topped with mixed berries and lemon zest, on a dark surface.

Check out these 40 Irresistible Desserts.

Six slices of toasted bread topped with various avocado-based ingredients, including tomato, egg, bacon, cheese, prosciutto, and fresh vegetables, arranged on a rustic blue surface.

How about Avocado Toast in Five Ways?

A floral-themed birthday card with "Happy Birthday to you!" written on the front, lying on top of a matching gift bag and an open card with a partial message visible.

Be sure to check out 20 of the Best DIY Birthday Cards.

Ninja Crispi Air Fryer

Our Place Wonder Oven

Three gold-colored metal candlestick holders of varying heights are displayed on a plain white background, making elegant Mother's Day gifts available on Amazon.

Antique Brass Iron Taper Candle Holder – Set of 3

And what a week it was!

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