The Blog
National Craft Month – Hurray for Crochet!
March is National Craft Month, which means it’s time to talk about something near and dear to my creative little heart: making things with your hands. Real things. Beautiful things. Things that require patience, creativity, and maybe a cup of coffee sitting next to you while you figure out what on earth you just did three rows back.
BHM: Celebrating African American Etsy Sellers
Every year when Black History Month rolls around, I find myself reflecting on legacy, creativity, innovation… and where I’m putting my dollars. Because celebration is cute. But circulation of money? That’s power.
For my final post of Black History Month, I’m spotlighting something near and dear to my design-loving, small-business-supporting heart: Black Etsy sellers. The makers. The artists. The creatives, building beautiful things from their homes, studios, kitchen tables, and late-night bursts of genius.
16 Artists To Celebrate for Black History Month
As I’ve been reflecting on my journey as a Maker and Artist and how it took me almost all of my life to realize that I was indeed a Maker and Artist. I’d been taught all my life to be creative and am well versed in Crochet, Knitting, Sewing, Quilting, Macrame, Interior Design and other creative and DIY endeavors. But when it was time to actually pick a career, it didn’t even occur to me to pursue the Creative Arts.
Last Minute Valentine’s Chocolate for the Procrastinator
This is the season of CHOCOLATE.Traditionally I’m not a huge fan of chocolate unless it’s of the best quality and face it, you usually don’t get quality chocolate unless you really go looking for it. I wouldn’t say I’m a chocolate snob, but I just wasn’t a chocolate lover until I tasted chocolate made by a chocolatier. I also went to a cacao farm in Costa Rica and learned how they made chocolate, so I have a whole new appreciation of what goes into real artisanal chocolate making.
Black History Month: The Most Inspiring African American Interior Designers
Black History Month is the perfect time to pause, look around, and give credit where credit is long overdue. Interior design—like so many creative industries—has been shaped, stretched, and elevated by Black designers who don’t just follow trends, they set them. They challenge what “good taste” looks like, push past safe neutrals, and design spaces that actually say something.
I Heart Valentine’s Nails – 21 of the Cutest
Oh, Hearts are back—and not in a “middle school notebook doodle” way. For Valentine’s Day this year, heart nail art is officially having its main character moment, and somehow it’s both nostalgic and cool. The secret? The hearts grew up. They got better color palettes, sharper design instincts, and just enough attitude to feel intentional instead of cheesy.
The 2026 Pinterest Trends are all Very Enchanting
Every year, Pinterest drops its annual trend forecast and every year I say, “I don’t follow trends.” And every year, Pinterest gently proves me wrong.
Unlike trend reports that feel like vibes pulled out of thin air, Pinterest’s predictions are based on actual search data — billions of searches, saves, and quiet late-night scrolls from people who may not know what they’re looking for… but absolutely know what they want. Historically, Pinterest has been eerily accurate (we’re talking years ahead of mainstream adoption), which is why designers, brands, and creatives pay attention — even if we pretend not to.
The Yearly Recap – 2025 Part 2 – The Slow Intentional Stuff
If the 2025 Yearly Recap Part 1 was about doing, Part 2 is about becoming. This was the year I slowed down just enough to actually notice what I’m drawn to—and, maybe more importantly, what I’m not.
The Yearly Recap – 2025 Part 1
What can I say about 2025? I kept saying to myself, what did I do all year? Well, I was President of the Atlanta Chapter of RESA (Real Estate Staging Association) which turned out to be a part time job in itself. A lot of networking, setting up live workshops and Zoom calls with speakers. Keeping the Board of Directors on track with our objectives for the year and navigating all of the paperwork a non-profit requires. Phew!
2026 Colors of the Year – What They Mean and Why They Matter
Every January, the big color authorities do what they do best: tell us what emotional state the planet is collectively experiencing…using paint. And listen, it’s never just a color. It’s never just “blue” or “beige” or “green.” It’s always “hopeful but grounded,” or “nostalgic with a side of resilience,” or “romantic introspection layered with renewed optimism and maybe a houseplant.”
Stay Connected!
Stay connected and up-to-date with the latest posts, projects and home diy tips. Get all the latest news, insights and inspiration straight to your inbox. Sign up here!
Leslie Karen is a blog dedicated to women who are forever curious, passionate and don’t believe in limits. I love DIY’ing and trying to figure out how to do things, traveling, designing interiors, finding good restaurants, fashion and reading. Basically just about anything creative and artistic.
Stay Connected!
© 2023 Leslie Karen. All rights reserved.