Date Night Done Right's Guide to the BEST Date in Birmingham

This week we are thrilled to introduce Joseph and Alex Bowker, the couple that is masterfully behind Date Night Done Right. Even though Joseph and Alex are from the same hometown, their paths didn’t cross until they met at The University of Alabama eight years ago. From the beginning, dating has been a significant cornerstone in their relationship and helped keep the ever-cherished spark alive.

“We love coming up with new, fun, and exciting ways to spend time together.”

— Joseph and Alex: Date Night Done Right

Most of us cut our teeth on the hope that we could find a lover that helps us ignite that giddy excitement time and time again - thanks Disney. We admire Date Night Done Right because they understand that the beauty of romance is in the intentionality. From cozy date nights at home to fun escapades around town, Date Night Done Right has a curated feed of date nights for all. Today, Alex and Joseph are taking us on their personal favorite kind of couples excursion, a progressive dinner around our favorite city. Join us as we take a romantic culinary tour around some of the most coveted spots in Birmingham!

DRINKS

The Bowkers suggest dawning off date night at Juniper for drinks. Our Bustle team also has a big crush on Juniper. (If you would like to see our full review, you can visit that blog post here.) The duo recommends the Buzz Word cocktail - truly one of the best gin drinks in Bham! Juniper also has a beautiful menu of mocktails for anyone who wants to go sans alcohol. Almost as essential as the bubbly, you can’t leave the restaurant without a quick photo sesh on the gold patterned swing in front of their gorgeous botanical wall.

Images by Mary Fehr and Juniper

APPETIZERS

Next, head to Ovenbird for appetizers. Their small plates are easily shareable and make for the perfect starter. Just as the Beef Fat Candle and Snapper Throat are Chris Hastings’ favorites on the menu, they are the Bowker’s favorites too! There is something for every culinary palate at Ovenbird. The small plate selection feels special every time.

Photos by Ovenbird Birmingham.

ENTREES

Photos by Helen Birmingham

Then, enjoy the main course at Helen, one of Esquire’s “best new restaurants in the U.S.” Pick from a variety of beef, lamb, pork, poultry, and seafood options. The Bowker’s go-tos are always the Coulotte and Seafood A La Plancha. Helen is a refreshed take on classic dining that pays homage to the restaurant owner’s memories cooking over the hardwood coals and smoke of his grandmother’s indoor grill. A sentimental taste to savor.

DESSERTS

End this cinematic evening with dessert at Bottega. Anyone with a love for sweets has not had a complete meal until they’ve eaten the coconut-pecan cake. The interior and exterior at Bottega is what all our date night dreams are made of. The lighting and decor is an open invitation for romance. All you need is a little dose of sugar to spark some coquettish conversation.

Photos by Bottega Birmingham

Visit Date Night Done Right on instagram to view their endless showcase of dating ideas. They also offer personalized date planning services tailored to each couple based on their needs and preferences. These services can be found on their website. The Bowkers love inspiring couples to never stop dating and live their best life together! 

Full Circle Motherhood: Emily and Teresa's Story

While the Oxford Dictionary very simply defines “motherhood” as “the state of being a mother,” we know that is the mere beginning of such a sacred word. How could anyone even begin to describe such a lifelong commitment. When asked about her own mother, Maya Angelou once said, “To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power. Or the climbing, falling colors of a rainbow.” 

I really admire the way Oliver Wendell Holmes depicted adoration for his mother, “Youth fades; love droops; the leaves of friendship fall; a mother’s secret hope outlives them all.” A mother’s secret hope is a force more mighty than any natural disaster, yet gentle to the touch. Today we are sharing a story of full circle motherhood between soon-to-be mother and former Bustle bride, Emily, and her Mom, Teresa.

When we asked Teresa to describe her relationship with her daughter, Emily, in one word, she said, “intuitive.”

Intuition: the ability to understand something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning. 

The effortless intuition between parent and child is an unspoken miracle. Often found in hand signals, a laugh, or a simple “look”, this communication system surpasses all others. The very enchantment that magic is made of, making morse code look like child’s play.

On Emily’s wedding day, what Teresa wanted most was that her daughter not worry about any tiny detail. She longed for her daughter to be present in every moment, without worrying over the mechanics of the next. Teresa lovingly said, “The look on Emily's face that entire day told me that mission had been accomplished.” There is no better satisfaction to a Mom than knowing that their child is completely happy and at ease. 

“I have to say that my absolute favorite moment was watching Emily’s first dance with her father.  Watching them in those few minutes was like watching a slideshow of their relationship from the time he held her as a baby to graduating from college and going out on her own.  It was such a picture perfect moment and of course...I cried.”

— Teresa Odom

Teresa expressed to us how most people, especially Mothers, have preconceived notions of what special days will be like in their children’s lives and sometimes those moments don’t always go how we planned them. One of the many beautiful aspects of motherhood is learning to embrace those things. There is strength and pure love in accepting change. Emily’s outdoor wedding ceremony quickly became an indoor event after a downpour pivoted their plans. Their wedding venue, Burns Bluff, moved in high-speed to make Emily’s wedding day as beautiful as possible and the entire wedding party danced the night away. 

“I liked how it was just me and and my Mom putting on my dress. Those are some of my favorite pictures from my wedding day. We’re in front of these big windows in the lodge, so it’s all bright and there’s one picture where her hands are on my waist and you can see how happy she is behind me, it’s my favorite.”

— Emily Odom Brown

When Emily found out she was pregnant, after telling her husband, the first person she called was her Mom. Teresa, like most Mothers, is the most trusted secret keeper. She kept this beautiful secret for a while before Emily told the rest of her family. 

“She knew for quite some time before anyone else in my family knew. She actually had to go visit my sister, who was having her second baby, and had to keep it a secret from everyone!”

— Emily Odom Brown

One of the things Emily admires so much about her Mom is the art of letting go of the need to control every situation concerning her children. Emily’s parents always gave her a safe space to land. She knew no matter what she was dealing with in life, her Mom would be there to help her pick up the pieces and learn along the way, without judgement.

“I just want my baby to do what she wants to do, and be her own person. No child is happy when they’re forced to do stuff they don’t want to or feel like they have to because their parent is the coach/director. Whatever she chooses will be fine with me as long as she’s being a good person, good teammate, and constantly trying her hardest.”

— Emily Odom Brown

Emily’s due date is May 17th, which coincidentally falls around the same time of year her Mom was due to have her. Motherhood is such a beautiful full circle experience and we are so thankful to Emily and Teresa for helping us share that love with you today. Happy Mother’s Day to every beautiful Mom. You are a wonder.

Crafting with Claire: Spring Floral Art

Is it May already? The grocery stores are filled with gardens of rainbow colored blooms and it’s giving us an extra boost of seasonal serendipity. There is something so effortlessly enchanting about fresh flowers. That’s why we want to dedicate this crafting session to preserving their beauty. This DIY would be the perfect gift for our favorite heroes this Mother’s Day. Whether you are crafting for Mom or for yourself, we think this would be a lovely addition to your gallery wall this Spring.

“Happiness is to hold flowers in both hands.”

— Japanese Proverb

We all know someone who makes crafting look flawless. Claire is THAT person. Everything she touches turns into a Pinterest ad and we love her for it. While we can’t all be a “Claire", at Bustle we want to make creativity attainable for everyone. That’s why Claire has made it her personal goal to curate crafts that we can all partake in. Every season, she will lead us in a step-by-step guide through the latest diy trends. Whether you’re crafting with kiddos or by yourself with a glass of wine, we hope you enjoy this pretty piece of mindfulness.

Step 1.) Choose your blooms — visit your local garden shop, flower truck, grocery store or even your yard! The best flowers to use are ones that are not too thick and can be flattened easily. Hydrangeas, violets, and other delicate flowers are a great choice.

Step 2.) Flatten your flowers! Use a flower press, wooden blocks, or heavy books to get your flowers nice and flat (and dry!).

Step 3.)Select a double glass frame to display your preserved flowers. You can find them at Target, Home Goods, or even a thrift store!

Step 4.) Arrange your dried, pressed flowers in your frame. If you want, you can add a photo and arrange the flowers around it or display the flowers alone in the frame. You may need to add just a touch of glue to keep the flowers in place.

Step 5.) Display your new homemade floral art in your home or give as a gift!

Claire’s Pro Tip: If you give your mom flowers for Mothers Day, save the flowers to make her a bonus mother’s day gift — maybe even add a picture of you and her. This would also make a great keepsake for your bridesmaids using the flowers from their bouquets!

If you would like to catch up on the last DIY, you can find that crafting session here!

Expert Tips: What You Need To Know Before Your Bridal Appointment

“Clothes are the story of our lives. And if you were to gather all the clothes you have ever owned in all your life, each baby shoe and winter coat and wedding dress, you would have your autobiography.”

— Linda Grant (2010). “The Thoughtful Dresser

We believe the process of discovering your perfect gown should feel like falling in love. We all come to love in our own way and choosing the right gown should mirror that significant experience. We hope that this blog will help ease any dress anxiety you might have and give you the confidence you need to say “YES” to your dream dress.

1.) Consider your wedding date when scheduling your appointment

One of the beautiful benefits in being a Bustle Bride is that all of our dresses are Sample Gowns.  This means that every gown you try-on in the shop is available for you to take home that SAME day - no backordered or delayed gowns here! With all of the supply chain set-backs in the industry, knowing that you will leave with your dream dress in hand is the kind of bliss we all need right now. Keeping your wedding date in mind is also important because you want to allow any extra time needed for alterations.

We want to make scheduling your appointment at Bustle completely stress-free. You can visit our website here to set-up your appointment today.  

2.) Be intentional when selecting your Entourage

Your bridal gown appointment is all about YOU. One of the things our bridal experts have learned in their many years of experience is the more you are able to mindfully condense your bridal entourage, the better. The days of needing a crowd of people surrounding you through such a significant decision are over. We have found that intentionally inviting 2-3 of your dearest loved ones makes for an enjoyable day for both the group and bride. We don’t need to tell you that you deserve to feel only love and encouragement on your bridal appointment day - but in case you need to hear it, You deserve to feel immense love and support on your special day. PERIOD.

3.) Don’t exhaust yourself with appointments

You shouldn’t feel pressured to attend more than one bridal appointment in one day. Over the years, scheduling 2-3 appointments in a single day became standard practice and we have seen the stressful effects that has had on our brides. When you are able to give yourself more breathing room, this allows you to make clear decisions that aren’t filled with overwhelmed confusion. By limiting your bridal entourage and the amount of appointments you attend in one day, we promise you will feel empowered to make the decision that is right for you in an unclouded state of mind.

4.) Come to your appointment prepared

The easiest way to feel confident in your bridal appointment is to come prepared. We can always promise you that with Bustle, our sweet stylists are here to make sure you feel comfortable and seen. But, there are a couple things you can do to feel your best on this special day.

• Wear the right undergarments. What you’re wearing underneath the gown matters. We recommend always wearing nude undergarments.

• Do a little research before hand on what styles you are interested in; but be gentle with yourself. Most often, our brides feel the most stunning in a gown that is completely opposite from what they pinned on their Pinterest board. Knowing what you like, while being open, is the best formula for dress success.

“I want people to see the dress but focus on the woman.”

— Vera Wang

Birmingham Highlight: Sidewalk Film

“I have a very simple definition of a good movie: a good movie makes you forget you’re watching a movie.”

— Michael Cimino

Sidewalk Film is undeniably one of the most sacred gems in downtown Birmingham. Located just downstairs from the beloved Pizitz food hall, this theatre has the unrivaled ability to make all who enter feel like an angsty teenager in their own coming-of-age story.

Most of us can remember what it felt like going to our hometown movie theatre for the first time in our adolescence. The neon lights and fresh popcorn felt like freedom. Who knew that the smell of overly buttered corn kernels would make us feel so powerful. Sidewalk Film embodies that emotion. The intimate setting and nostalgic decor excavate reminders of serotonin filled summers that we forgot existed. Not to mention their curated movie lineup is the best in the city. If you’re craving indie cinematic glory, this is the place to be. Sidewalk is the “cool older sister” for all of us. We guarantee that you’ll be sitting in your seat and pondering life for a minimum of 10 minutes after each film. 

Sidewalk Film began as a local film festival in 1998. For over two decades, this Birmingham based festival has been THE event. Filmmakers eagerly travel across the country every year to screen their work amongst enthusiastic crowds who are eager to devour independent cinema. The founders of Sidewalk wanted those thought-provoking moments to last longer than one week out of the year. Thus, Sidewalk Film & Cinema was born. Now we can get a cinematic hit of endorphins every weekend from Birmingham’s only non-profit theatre. Their heart is to provide a place of community and inclusion for all. From filmmakers to film lovers, we all need a safe space to escape.

Photo Credit: Sidewalk Film

Sidewalk is top tier for those looking to spice up date night or chill with friends. We highly recommend catching a movie then venturing upstairs to Pizitz for cocktails and poke bowls after. Visit their website to check out their weekly showings or get more information about their upcoming Film Festival in August!

Bustle Spring Gallery 2022

“Spring is far more than just a changing of seasons; it’s a rebirth of the spirit.”

— Toni Sorenson

With April among us, the birds are caroling, the blooms are greeting us with their effortless radiance, and the weather has us wishing we could do everything outside. This serotonin filled season brings a sigh of relief to those that ache for a little extra sunlight - sayonara seasonal depression. Mindfulness is the mantra this spring. Wherever you are reading this blog, we invite you to take the deepest breath you’ve taken all day, hold, and on the exhale think about someone you love deeply. The natural smile that comes to you in those moments is your mindfulness at work. At Bustle, we know that Spring can be a demanding (and sometimes stressful) wedding season for brides. Taking a few moments out of your day to engage in mindfulness is a beautiful way to show adoration for the profound body that holds you.

Reflecting on this intention of self-admiration, the Bustle team cultivated a photoshoot to exude the essence of this declaration.

“You are the handiwork, the ultimate craft.”

Let this season be your spring. Find yourself blooming with radiance for the year ahead. Not for the pleasure or enjoyment of anyone but yourself. We hope you enjoy this Bustle photoshoot of grand self-love.

This gallery wouldn’t be possible without the expertise of a brilliant collective of Birmingham women. Every detail considered with the most significant care. You can find each of these breathtaking artists linked at the end of the blog.

“We are all in our Bridgerton era. We don’t need to be anyone’s diamond. We are the entire earth’s crust that gives the diamond. Long live the queens.”

— Bustle

If you would like to visit the shop and try on one of these sensational gowns for yourself, you can make an appointment here. We cannot wait to help you find the dress of your dreams.

BUSTLE PHOTOSHOOT CREDITS

GOWNS & STYLING: BUSTLE

PHOTOGRAPHY: ASHTYNN BREE PHOTOGRAPHY

VENUE: CHRISTOPHER GLENN & THE FARRELL

FLORALS: GAIA FLORALS

HAIR & MAKEUP: ASIA NICOLE

MODELS: Hyelim Cho Stockard, Trudie, Ashton Loreal

CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT: Laine White & Jillian Darling

Birmingham Venue Spotlight: Christopher Glenn and The Farrell

Ashtynn Bree Photography

This week, Bustle had the absolute pleasure of shooting photos in the stunning sister spaces: Christopher Glenn and The Farrell. These breathtaking venues are both located in the heart of Homewood, just steps away from Soho. We LOVE how the management style and open-vendor policy gives every bride the flexibility to bring their vision to life. If you are looking for a space that is both sophisticated while exuding the upmost warmth, these venues are for you. We know all-too-well that finding a place that marries those two attributes can be harder than expected. Your wedding is THE day. You want your guests to feel significant and comfortable without sacrificing theatrics. Both Christopher Glenn and The Farrell will make accomplishing that dream effortless.

Christopher Glenn

Christopher Glenn is a vintage venue with 1,500 square feet. This timeless space also features a beautiful courtyard, additional hardscape (idyllic for tenting), and a wonderful caterer’s prep room. This event space is perfect for your smaller gatherings and micro events. In an industry that thrives on grand matrimonies, Christopher Glenn is here to host your more intimate moments. We love how versatile this sweet venue can be: weddings, bridal luncheons, baby showers, you name it!

Photo Credit: Spindle Photography

The Farrell

Photo Credit: Eleanor Stenner Photography

Dearest Readers, The Farrell is straight out of your Bridgerton dreams. The venue features an elegant main hall with exposed truss ceilings, honed concrete floors, hand-made steel windows and doors draped in linen and velvet. With a 3,200 square ft main hall, two private suites, a European courtyard and a caterer's ideal prep room, The Farrell is a multifaceted dreamboat. This venue is perfect for weddings, receptions, rehearsal dinners, fundraising galas, corporate events, and the list goes on. It is no surprise to us that this space was inspired by grand properties in Europe. Their stunning landscape mural left our entire team completely speechless - a showstopper.

Photo Credit: Meghan Gray Photography

Photo Credit: Deborah Michelle Photography

The team behind Christopher Glenn and The Farrell value relationships and truly enjoy learning about each bride and their families. You are not seen as just another wedding to check off the list, you are a person with a significant day to celebrate. 

“We enjoy making the venue as stress-free as possible!”

— CG & The Farrell

If you would like to learn more, you can contact Christopher Glenn or The Farrell to schedule a tour!

BUSTLE PHOTOSHOOT CREDITS

GOWNS & STYLING: BUSTLE

PHOTOGRAPHY: ASHTYNN BREE PHOTOGRAPHY

VENUE: CHRISTOPHER GLENN & THE FARRELL

FLORALS: GAIA FLORALS

HAIR & MAKEUP: ASIA NICOLE

MODELS: Hyelim Cho Stockard, Trudie, Ashton Loreal

CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT: Laine White & Jillian Darling

Bustle's EVERYTHING EASTER Event Guide 2022

Spring merriment is always in bloom in Birmingham. This season is such a wonderful time to let new memories blossom, so we curated an Easter Event Roundup for EVERYONE to enjoy - Furbabies included! Whether you’re in the mood for a photo op with the Easter bunny with your littles, frolicking through a spring market with friends, or watching your best four-legged friend hunt eggs of their own, we have you covered.

Homewood Park Easter Egg Hunt

WHEN: Saturday, April 9th from 3PM-5PM

WHAT: Visit the Homewood Athletic Complex for a quintessential Easter day filled with prizes, bounce houses, photo ops with the Easter Bunny, and OF COURSE an Easter Egg Hunt. Egg hunts are organized by age for toddlers up to 10 years old - remember to bring your own baskets from home. The first hunt begins at 3:30 pm for the little ones and ends at 4:30 for your older kiddos.

Mt. Laurel’s Spring Festival

WHEN: Saturday, April 9th from 10AM-3PM

Photo by: The Town of Mt Laurel

WHAT: Celebrate spring in the charming town of Mt Laurel. This is such an amazing way to kick-start the season! Whether you’re frolicking with friends or your family, there is something for everyone here. Enjoy a day shopping this vibrant street fair, savoring dishes from the best local food trucks, and strolling the idyllic streets of one of Birmingham’s sweetest neighborhoods.

UAB Dragon Hunt

WHEN: Sunday, April 3rd. Gates open at 1PM and Egg Hunt starts at 2PM

Photo by: UAB

WHAT: Each year the Annual Dragon Hunt has grown in size. The move of this family-friendly free event to PNC Field (located at the corner of University Boulevard and 11th Street South) will offer three separate egg hunt areas for your little ones. Pre-registration is now available online here and will allow quick access on event day. Those who pre-register have the opportunity to receive a UAB prize when you check in to the event!

Oak Mountain State Park Easter Egg Hunt (Your furbabies can hunt too!)

WHEN: Saturday April 16th from 9AM-4PM

WHAT: Bring your best Easter baskets because Oak Mountain has OVER 20,000 FILLED eggs this year! The hunt will be located off of Terrace Drive in the Multi-use Field by the Discover Shelby Pavilion. The Easter Bunny will be hopping around for free pictures and the kiddos can get some of their own air time in the bounce houses! THE BEST PART, the last hunt of the day will be for pups only! Count us in!

Sips n Strokes Easter Painting Class

WHEN: Wednesday April 6th at 7PM

Photo by: Sips n Strokes

WHAT: Find your inner Picasso this spring season with a class at Sips n Strokes. This artistic experience is located in downtown Birmingham. We highly recommend taking a look at their April calendar because there are several dates and different style selections to choose from. Bring your favorite bubbly and your best friends for a night to remember (we’ve found from personal experience that the art looks better after several sips of chardonnay).

Bluff Park Annual Easter Egg Hunt

WHEN: Saturday, April 9th from 9:30AM-11AM

WHAT: Calling all kiddos 5th grade and under. Bluff Park UMC is hosting their annual Community Easter Egg Hunt! Welcome and Registration begins at 9:30 am and the egg hunt follows at 10:30 am. This all-outdoors event is such a sweet memory for your family. The Easter Bunny will be visiting for photos and fun!

Rediscovering the Art of Film with Expert Photographer - Meghan Gray

Full disclosure, when Meghan started her photography business in High School, this endeavor was not much more than a way to earn some extra cash (and to that we say “YES QUEEN”). Once Meghan felt herself expounding beyond that narrative, this allowed her to see the vast love she had for the art of photography. At the age of 17, she interned with a wedding photographer while simultaneously taking a photojournalism class. Between the wholeheartedness personified in the wedding photographer she shadowed under and seeing first hand the storytelling of people through photojournalism, she found the realm of photography evolving from a side gig to a complete calling.

“It was then that I began learning in waves that my camera could be used as a tool to take part in people’s lives and gift them with the encouragement and joys of remembering life well and living it fully.”

— Meghan

Meghan revisits those first feelings often to remind herself that the initial joy and intrinsic passion for this craft flowed from a desire to see and love people. In all things, no matter the craft, when we are able to understand the depth of a person’s experience, it transforms the imagery in how we see the world around us. Life’s luster comes from the refining of this skill. Humanity is the art, and Meghan is such a beautiful reminder of that.

“There’s nothing sweeter to me than the tangible presence of empathy woven through a photograph.”

— Meghan

Meghan fell in love with film photography without even realizing what it was. She consistently found herself trying to embody the style of photography that her mentors were sharing, not realizing it was film. It took about a year for her to realize this type of photography would not come from a digital camera. Like most of us, the thought of film photography was a bit daunting for Meghan, but still this perpetual voice of intrigue kept nagging her like an angel on her shoulder. It wasn’t until a fellow creative friend asked her, “is the fear of failure what’s keeping you back?” It was the honest answer to her friend’s question and the undying love for the ethereal gentleness of film that pushed her to move forward. Now, with an immeasurable amount of film rolls behind her, this medium has become her craft of choice, “Truly, it has become about much more than just the feel and coloring of the images themselves. I adore the process, the slowness and intentionality of having to pause and recognize each moment with others. The value of each image (forever hearing cha-ching with each click of the shutter) has literally been the inspiration behind so much of my desire to be present in moments with the people I’m capturing."

While Meghan shoots both digital and film photography. We asked what makes film photography so significant to her.

“As a whole, I’ve found that film is a bit more soft with lines and light. It’s less defined, less harsh, and carries with it an almost painting-like essence that captures features kindly, with a timeless feel.”

— Meghan

We are not saying that everyone should pawn-off their DSLR cameras immediately. Meghan reassured us that there are dozens of scenarios and lighting situations where digital inevitably wins the game. Film photography is just one tool of many good tools. It allows the creator to slow down and find meaning in the full process of photography without the instant gratification of an image popping up on a screen.

For Meghan it is vital to not get so wrapped up in the showmanship of photography that she loses the ability to recognize the beauty that only lies in the present. It’s so easy to forget that as creators, we are so much more than a brand label. There is an authentic beauty beyond the stereotypes that often gets left behind in the dark corners of the internet. It is incredibly powerful and inherently human when we let go of controlling every detail that finds us in life.

“I’ve witnessed expectations and insecurities steal the very life out of some of the most tender and telling moments because they weren’t the moments hoped for on social media.”

— Meghan

When we are able to trust the photographer with real moments and strive to be present, they have the freedom to document these brilliant snapshots of life, just as they are. In Meghan’s words, “These moments step over trends, through generations, and way past a likable instagram post.”

Meghan is truly one of the good ones. Her sincerity goes so far past her undeniable talent. She sees people in the way we would all want to be seen. When she says something, she means it. Her faith is a beautiful extension of her heart and it is refreshing. She doesn’t love for show. She loves because she has been loved. We would trust her with way more than our wedding photos. If you would like to get in touch with Meghan you can visit her website or reach out to her on instagram.

“I want to have taken at least one photo in my career that’s been framed, passed, and smiled at a million times. A photo that is telling and thus taken off the wall before Grammy’s house is sold, so that it continues to be treasured for years and years to come.”

— Meghan

Crafting with Claire: Marble Ring Dish

Crafts with Claire

We are delighted to introduce this brand new series to the Bustle Blog: Crafts with Claire.

Claire Jackson is such a refreshing part of our Bustle family. When she isn’t wowing us with her endearing creativity, she is spending time with her sweet husband, Dan, and their two precious kiddos, Eleanor (2 yrs) and Henry (4 mo).

We all know someone who makes crafting look effortless. Claire is THAT person. Everything she touches turns into a Pinterest ad and we love her for it. While we can’t all be a “Claire", at Bustle we want to make creativity attainable for everyone. That’s why Claire has made it her personal goal to curate crafts that we can all partake in. Every season, she will lead us in a step-by-step guide through the latest diy trends. Whether you’re crafting with kiddos or by yourself with a glass of wine, we hope you enjoy this pretty piece of mindfulness.

SPRING 2022:

MARBLE RING DISH

Step 1.) Choose 2-5 colors of clay for your marble dish.

Step 2.) Roll each color into a smooth long line and twist all the colors together.

Step 3.) Roll into a ball and knead to achieve desired marble effect.

Step 4.) Flatten out the ball between two pieces of parchment paper by using a rolling pin or pressing down with a book.

Step 5.) Use a large round cookie cutter or a bowl to cut the flattened clay into a circle, then place the circle of clay into an oven safe bowl to form it into the shape of the bowl.

Step 6.) Place the bowl on a baking sheet and bake at 275 for about 20 minutes OR according to the baking instructions on your clay package.

Step 7.) Take out of the oven and allow your marble dish to cool inside the bowl. Once cool, turn the bowl over and tap to free the clay from the inside of the bowl.

Step 8.) Enjoy your beautiful DIY marble clay dish!

CLAIRE’S PRO TIP: Use a nail file to smooth out the edges of your ring dish after you bake it.