30 YouTube Channels I Adore: Business, Health, Books, Beauty and More

- March 9, 2017 | by April -

We live in this wonderful world filled with free information on building successful businesses, cooking healthy meals, money-saving DIYs, 20-minute yoga routines, learning how to fishtail braid your hair and more.

I’m a huge fan of YouTube and the creators who put tons of effort into publishing videos that are filled with knowledge and entertainment.

It’s not an easy task to come up with a catchy title, brainstorm what you want to say, set up the lighting, film a test video, adjust things, film another test video, adjust again, film the actual video, edit the video, find music for the background, etc.

So, I’m acknowledging my 30 favorite YouTube channels for today’s post. Some are related to business, some aren’t, but I’m sure you’ll find something in this list that you adore as well.

Happy viewing!

Business Channels

1. Lewis Howes

Lewis films his podcast episodes and publishes the videos on his YouTube channel. I enjoy the videos more than the podcasts and usually play them while I’m watercoloring or bullet journaling.

My favorite episode is this interview with Sara Blakely, the creator of Spanx. Her story of how she built her business inspired me to work harder every single day. It’s a must-watch (or listen) for all entrepreneurs.

2. Gary Vaynerchuk

I don’t work or live by the same values of 16-hour days, but I’m incredibly inspired by Gary’s hustle. If I’m feeling a little lazy, I watch one of Gary’s videos and it snaps me out of that fog.

3. Chase Jarvis

I started watching Chase’s channel when he hosted the 30 Days of Genius series, and I pretty much loved every episode. My top three favorites (if I have to choose) are: 30 Days of Genius with Seth Godin, 30 Days of Genius with Austin Kleon and 30 Days of Genius with Tim Ferris.

4. Marie TV

Marie’s videos are professionally made which makes them such a joy to watch. My favorites are the interviews, like this one with Cheryl Strayed. If you’re a writer and you haven’t watched that interview, stop everything immediately, brew a cup of tea (I recommend Liquorice and Mint by Tea Pigs) and dig in. It’s worth every single second.

Planning and Bullet Journaling Channels

5. Boho Berry

If you’ve been interested in bullet journaling but you don’t know where to start, I suggest watching some of Kara’s videos. Because a lot of entrepreneurs prioritize their businesses over themselves, one of her videos I really enjoyed was about tracking self care.

6. Full Flourish

This channel focuses on bullet journaling and minimalism and why she decided to make those changes in her life. She talks openly about depression and anxiety which I think a lot of people can relate to. Watch one of her ‘plan with me’ videos to see if you like her style.

7. The Reset Girl

Oh my goodness…I could spend all day watching her planning videos (and she creates and sells amazing planning stickers). Here’s an example of one of her fun ‘plan with me’ videos.

Crafty Channels

8. The Sorry Girls

They have a bunch of DIYs that are just plain fun but they have some that could really help your business while saving you money, like this DIY video backdrop.

9. Amy Tangerine

Amy puts up lots of different crafty videos, but I love her most recent video on bullet journaling and her videos on hand-lettering like this one.

10. Shayda Campbell

On this channel, you’ll find artsy tips, hand-lettering tutorials and fun DIYs. Here are three videos I reallllllllly like: 1) 10 Tips to Improve Your Painting 2) Styling Your Art for Social Media and 3) Hand Lettering with Pigma Micron Pens.

Lifestyle Channels

11. Mimi Ikonn

I’m a homebody but I enjoy watching travel vlogs to transport myself to that beautiful place without actually going there. I haven’t found another channel that even compares to how amazing this channel is with their travel videos. I suggest this one and this one and this one.

12. Amelia Liana

I started watching Amelia’s videos because I loved her style and then I realized that she has health issues and I could relate to her personal videos. Plus, this outfit challenge was so much fun to watch.

13. Sarah Nourse

Sarah’s channel is filled with daily vlogs, advice on how to save money and travel videos. Here are two of my favorites: Why I Went Vegan and Getting Debt Free Changed My Life.

14. In the Frow

Victoria is a fashion, beauty and travel vlogger. Her hair is the most beautiful shade and her luxury looks for less videos are incredible if you’re on a budget but love her luxury looks.

15. Claire Marshall

Love her voice. Love her style. Love her videos. This is one of my favs.

16. Christine Kobzeff

On Christine’s channel, you’ll find tips on building a capsule wardrobe, DIY aromatherapy ideas, and plant-based recipes.

17. Rachel Aust

The first video of Rachel’s I watched was 10 tidy habits that will change your life and I was hooked.

18. Tanya Burr

Tanya’s channel always gives me a boost of happiness. She’s always positive and upbeat. Two of my favorite videos are: 1) Most Worn Items In My Wardrobe and 2) Khloe Kardashian Blue Smoky Eye Makeup Tutorial.

Book Channels

19. Books and Lala

If you’ve been a Blacksburg Belle reader for a bit, you know that I’m a reading addict. One of my favorite moments of the day is when I’m snuggling my husband and reading in bed. And, this is my go-to channel for book recommendations. Every month, she posts a video all about bookish news such as cover reveals and movie adaptations. Watch this video to see all the books she read in 2016.

20. Squibbles Reads

Joss at Squibbles Reads talks a lot about thrillers and mysteries and in the past year, I’ve picked up a bunch of thrillers that I’ve really enjoyed based on her recommendations. Check out her favorite books of 2016 to see if you have a similar taste in books.

21. Peace Love Books

Jess reads mainly romance novels and I’m a sucker for a good romance novel. Whenever I’m in the mood to read a book with lots of romance, I go to her channel. Through her channel, I found my favorite new adult romance writer, Samantha Young. Anybody else enjoy watching videos about other peoples’ reading goals?

22. Between Chapters

I’m pretty sure I’ve watched every single video on Trina’s channel. Because of her review of Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis, I picked it up, read it and really enjoyed it.

Health Channels

23. Niomi Smart

Niomi eats a plant-based diet and I enjoy her ‘what I eat in a day’ videos. The food always looks delicious and she gives me lots of ideas for healthy meals.

24. Yoga with Adriene

If you’re a complete beginner to yoga, Adriene has a great exercise video for you. Her teaching style is very soothing.

25. Boho Beautiful

If you often find yourself feeling anxious, you might get a lot of this channel, especially this yoga for anxiety video.

26. Tone It Up

If I’m not doing yoga or taking a walk for my exercise, I usually turn to the gals from Tone It Up. Ummmmm…yes I want a bombshell booty!

Beauty Channels

27. Kathleen Lights

Kathleen is hilarious, she’s honest (and will tell you when she doesn’t like something) and she creates makeup tutorials that seem doable for beginners. If I had to pick one video of hers for you to watch, it would be this one.

28. Jessica Braun

Jessica does a great job using drugstore products as well as high-end products. If there’s a deal or a drugstore product that’s just as good as a luxury product, she’ll tell you. I’ve bought a handful of products based on her reviews and have liked all of them. My favorite videos are when she talks about products she’s used up like this one. I also love that she’s a teacher and creates killer videos every week.

29. Luxy Hair

If I’m ever hankering for a new hairstyle, this is my go-to channel. It’s how I learned to fishtail braid my hair and how to double fishtail braid my hair.

30. Casey Holmes

I adore her spirit and attitude. My favorites are her hits and misses like this one.

YOUR TURN! What’s your favorite YouTube channel? Share it in the comments below to spread the love.

Use Photographs to “Sketch” in Illustrator

- November 25, 2015 | by April -

The holiday spirit has swept me away.

Here in the U.S. we’re getting ready for Thanksgiving tomorrow which means I’ll be decorating for Christmas this weekend. YAY!

I thought that I’d break the pattern this week with my blog post to show you something more creative, since I’m feeling inspired. I’ve spent lots of time watercoloring, sketching and knitting.

When I’m in that creative place, I tend to lose hours on my artistic projects. But, there are plenty of times that I hit a creative block and most of the time, it’s in the midst of sketching.

I don’t consider myself an artist in the traditional sense and I’m not always happy with my sketches. Because of that, I’ve learned how to use Illustrator to take a photo and turn it into a sketch that I usually work with to make a watercolor painting.

To help those of you who struggle with the same issue, I’ve created a tutorial on how I use Illustrator. I hope it inspires you!

Do you use Illustrator like this? Have any tips to add? Have any questions about this process? Leave them in the comments below.

For those of you in the United States, Happy Thanksgiving!

7 DIY Projects that Take Less Than One Hour

- August 26, 2013 | by April -

Lately, I’ve been in a DIY mood.

I’ve made my own cleaning products, I’m working on a knitted shawl, I’m putting together a mini “scrapbook” for the weekend trip my husband and I are going on this weekend, and I’ve been checking out the next projects I’m going to tackle on Creative Bug.

When I get in these moods, it’s nice to have some easier DIYs that only take an hour or so to complete. That way I can start and complete it in the same crafting session. Here are seven projects that took me less than an hour to finish:

1. Succulent Planters

2. Everyday Moments Book

3. Covered Switchplates

4. Painted Frame

5. Fruit Printed Tea Towels

6. Diva Doggie Tutu

7. Art Journal

DIY: Everyday Moments Book

- March 22, 2013 | by April -

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One of my goals this year is to get my pictures off the computer. Last year, I took a lot of pictures, but I didn’t print many. They’re still sitting lonely on my hard drive, waiting on me to do something with them.

I wanted to start this year differently, but I also knew that I needed to figure out a way to use more pictures without making it a huge, time-consuming activity that I would end up putting off and putting off. I wanted to come up with something kinda like scrapbooking but a way to make it more efficient.

I settled on using a mixed media spiral notebook, printing the pictures on regular computer paper {so they wouldn’t add too much thickness}, and spending less than ten minutes on each page. I got January and February done in about two hours, because I limited my supplies to pictures, Sharpie fine tip markers, washi tape, tags, cardstock, glue sticks, and cards that my husband and I had received in those months.

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I collect things like the “bracelet” I wore when I got my sinus CT scan in March, the post-it notes that my husband wrote down recipe ingredients on, and kraft envelopes I receive in the mail. Now, I have a place to put them.

And, for any cards that I get, I glue the envelopes right onto the pages and put the card inside. This has been easy for me to keep up. If you’ve been looking for an alternative to traditional scrapbooking that isn’t as time-consuming and feels like less pressure to make beautiful, you might try something like this for the everyday moments you capture.

I’ll still put together photo books for “bigger” events like birthdays and weddings, but now I have a way to get those ordinary moments off the computer and onto a page that preserves the memory of things I don’t want to forget.

This Week In My Craft Studio: Vintage Bead and Fishing Line Necklace

- March 10, 2013 | by April -

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Did I ever imagine that I would use fishing line to create jewelry when I started making necklaces and bracelets over eight years ago? Nope. But, when you think about it, it’s genius. It’s inexpensive, strong, and clear. The best part is that you’d never know it’s what I used unless I told you.

I can’t claim credit for this idea. I got it from this tutorial on Creative Bug.

I used vintage beads from this shop and other beads I had in my stash. I think it turned out to be one of those necklaces that I can wear with casual and dressy outfits.

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This Week in My Craft Studio: Valentine’s Day Cards

- February 9, 2013 | by April -

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Valentine’s Day is approaching, so I spent some time working on homemade cards for some friends and family. These cards take a little while to make, but the finished product is definitely worth it. I followed this tutorial over at Creative Bug.

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101 DIY Home Decor Projects

- January 25, 2013 | by April -

Because my husband and I are tackling 1-2 home projects each month, I’ve been collecting different DIY ideas from around the web. I wanted to share my favorites with you!

1. Mini Luminaries from heartmade:

2. Dip dyed candles from Martha Stewart

3. Barnyard candleholders from Country Living:

4. Decoupage Planter from Miniature Rhino

5. Gold leaf cement pots from Ruffled

6. Striped painted vase from I Spy DIY

7. Stained glass vases from Green Wedding Shoes

8. Textured clay vase from Green Wedding Shoes

9. Gold honey bear vase from A Beautiful Mess:

10. Hanging wine bottle vases from Design*Sponge

11. Glitter vases from The Sweetest Occasion

12. Giant flowers from Green Wedding Shoes

13. Billy button flowers from hooray

14. Wine cork coasters from heartmade:

15. Polaroid coasters from darkroom and dearly

16. Scrapbook paper coasters from The Cottage Home

17. Chalkboard coasters from The Sweetest Occasion

18. House shaped coasters from Speculaas:

19. Metallic circle pillow from I Spy DIY

20. Cloud pillow from one more mushroom

21. Horse throw pillows from A Beautiful Mess:

22. Spotted pillow cases from Say Yes to Hoboken

23. Silhouette stitched pillow from House of Earnest

24. Recycled sweater pillow from Blacksburg Belle:

25. Stenciled pillow covers from Lowe’s

26. Rosette cluster pillow from Etsy:

27. Hand painted linen towels from Everyday Occasions

28. Polka dot tea towels from casasugar

29. Fruit printed tea towels from Blacksburg Belle:

30. Stamped tea towels from Centsational Girl

31. Bunting tablecloth from The Sweetest Occasion

32. Granny circle placemats from The Purl Bee:

33. Key catch all plate from Brooklyn Limestone

34. Gold paint-dipped, faux porcelaine bowl from curbly

35. Gold leaf paper mache bowls from Kelli Murray:

36. Magic decals with free printables from The Painted Hive

37. Chalkboard mug from Wit and Whistle

38. “Ceramic” canisters from In the Fun Lane

39. Hand painted mug from Wit and Whistle:

40. Wall decal from Sincerely, Kinsey

41. Fabric wallpaper from How About Orange

42. Custom stenciled wall from A Beautiful Mess:

43. Window art from Wit and Whistle

44. Vintage crate from The Country Chic Cottage

45. Storage headboard from Better Homes and Gardens

46. Ombre chair from Design*Sponge

47. Inlay dresser from Jenny Komenda Interiors

48. Library coffee table from Country Living

49. Lace patterned coffe table from A Beautiful Mess:

50. Pallet bed from Under the Sycamore

51. Herringbone-patterned tabletop from This Old House

52. Industrial side tables from Lowe’s:

53. Pinwheel table runner from Green Wedding Shoes

54. Fork and spoon door pulls from Country Living

55. Painted cabinet knobs from Going Home to Roost:

56. Photo table runner from Ruffled

57. Vintage wooden spool photo holders from Miniature Rhino

58. Embroidered letter art from In the Fun Lane

59. Thrift store frame updated from Blacksburg Belle:

60. Tape picture frames from Design*Sponge

61. Framed vintage keys from The Thrifty Abode

62. Recycled magazine photo frame from heartmade:

63. Embellished wood pencil block from Design*Sponge

64. Pencil holder from The Sweetest Occasion

65. Covered mousepad from Going Home to Roost:

66. Vintage book wallpaper from houzz

67. Scrap pallet plank wall from Poppytalk

68. Kitchen pegboard from A Beautiful Mess:

69. Jewelry box from Sincerely, Kinsey

70. Book planter from Green Wedding Shoes

71. Switchplates two ways from Blacksburg Belle:

72. Tea bag shaped letter sachet from Miniature Rhino

73. Anthropologie inspired rug from Sincerely, Kinsey

74. Chevron rug from Jenny Komenda Interiors

75. Boho bunting from Green Wedding Shoes

76. Fabric flower garland from heartmade:

77. Printed paper garlands from Project Wedding

78. Tissue paper garland from Ruffled

79. Cupcake liner garland from 100 Layer Cake

80. Paint swatch chandelier from Hey Gorgeous Events:

81. String chandeliers from Ruffled

82. Fabric chandelier from 100 Layer Cake

83. Fabric garland chandelier from A Beautiful Mess:

84. Decoupaged light from Country Living

85. Woven lamp from Poppytalk

86. Ghost lamps from In the Fun Lane:

87. Industrial pendant lamp from curbly

88. Copper and branch floor lamp from Design*Sponge:

89. Modern chalkboard calendar from stylizimo

90. Canvas magnets from The Sweetest Occasion

91. Washi tape magnets from Speculaas

92. Tiny polaroid magnets from Ambrosia Creative

93. Fancy clothespins from Creature Comforts:

94. Bird house key hooks from Torie Jayne

95. Dip dyed stool from Design Happens

96. Butterfly dome from Sweet Paul

97. Happy hangers from dottie angel

98. Cross stitch desk organizer from Camille Styles:

99. Ladder display shelves from Pretty Handy Girl

100. Yarn wrapped monograms from evie s.

101. Daily post-it prioritizer {free printable!} from heartmade:

DIY Switchplates: Two Ways

- January 20, 2013 | by April -

When we moved into our house, I noticed the dingy, cracking switchplates in every room. I knew they had to go, but that would mean replacing a TON of them which would be fine if I liked the plain, inexpensive ones at our local hardware store. But, I like decorative switchplates and outlet covers–like the ones that cost $18 to $24 each at Anthropologie.

My husband loves me, but if I told him I wanted to spend a thousand dollars on switchplates, he’d think I had lost my mind. Instead, I got creative. I used all the switchplates and outlet covers in the house. I didn’t buy a single new one. Some, I covered with scrapbook paper like the salt and pepper ones in the kitchen, some I covered in vintage book pages, and others I simply spray painted. The spray paint made them look like new–and the paper-covered ones are so fun. Everyone who comes in our house comments on them.

Want to give the paper-covered switchplates a try?

You’ll need: switchplates/outlet covers, scrapbook paper or book pages, Mod Podge, foam brush, Xacto knife {and extra blades if you’re going to make a lot of them}, and a cutting mat.

Directions:

1. Clean and dry the switchplates/outlet covers.

2. Cut the paper to a little over the size of the switchplate giving yourself enough paper to fold over the edge and secure in the back.

3. Using the foam brush, coat the front of the switchplate and the back side of the paper with Mod Podge. Place the back side of the paper onto the front of the switchplate. Press the paper down and smooth out any air bubbles. Allow to dry for about 30 minutes. {See below.}

4. Trim the edges of the paper if needed. Then, using the foam brush coat the sides and back edge of the outlet cover with Mod Podge. Gently fold the paper over and hold it in place for a couple of minutes. Allow to dry for another 30 minutes. {See below.}

5. Using the Xacto knife, cut out the holes in the outlet cover or switchplate. If needed, use a little bit of Mod Podge to secure any paper around the holes that gets pulled up while cutting the holes.

Here are more examples of other switchplates I covered with paper or spray painted:

This project takes an afternoon to complete, and it makes a huge difference to the look of a room.

DIY Fruit Printed Tea Towels

- January 17, 2013 | by April -

I’ve always wanted to try printing something with fruit, so when I ran across a pack of four flour sack tea towels at Target for less than $5, I decided to try it out. And, I’m hooked. Now, I want to make my own stamps and stencils and so much more.

Supplies: tea towels, fabric paint, paintbrushes, fruit {I used a pear and apple}

Directions:

1. Iron the tea towels.

2. Cut the fruit in half and decide which half looks best for printing. I tried both halves and picked the ones I liked the most.

3. Paint the fruit and stamp onto the tea towel. {I like the effect of stamping the fruit a few times before adding more paint, because I like different shades of color.}

4. Allow the paint to dry overnight. Wash and use! These also make wonderful gifts.

Last-Minute Handmade Christmas Gift Idea: Mixed Media Bookmark

- December 17, 2010 | by April -

I attempt to make something for most of the people on my Christmas list. I do this, because I love to watch them open the presents that I’ve spent lots of time on, and I enjoy creating stuff {I do have a creative business}. Plus, it allows me to use craft skills that I don’t use on the products that I sell. For instance, I love to knit–but I would never want to do it for hours every day, so I enjoy knitting scarves for my loved ones for Christmas.

Each year around this time I challenge myself to learn a new creative skill when I’m crafting my gifts, and this year I really wanted to learn how to do a blanket stitch. I also wanted to improve upon my sewing skills. I try to use some materials that I already have. When I can keep the cost down to next to nothing, that’s a huge bonus. One of the gifts I whipped up {using a blanket stitch and sewing} just yesterday is so super simple and cost me NOTHING to make that I thought I’d share it with you.

Materials

I pulled together leftover felt, material, crocheted lace, muslin, and embroidery thread and decided to put it all together to make a bookmark. Now, if you don’t have some of these things already, just substitute it for stuff you do have. If you have ribbon, lace, buttons, beads, or even decorative paper, you can use that to embellish your bookmark.

How I Made the Bookmark Above

To make the bookmark you see above, I just layered felt, material, and crocheted lace and sewed through all the layers. Then, I embellished it with stamped muslin and used a blanket stitch around the felt to give it a border. This was my first attempt at a blanket stitch–and I don’t think it looks half bad. I made this bookmark for someone who loves romance novels–and I’m also giving her a romance novel that I purchased and read this summer. So, the entire gift isn’t costing me a thing. Love it!

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