pixel & post

Etsy Wednesday: Objects of Desire

2012-01-25T11:30:00.000-08:00

Raymond Loewy Teapot, Teacup... kiteless $65.00	Sunny Block Abstract Print twoems $26.00	Italian Ceramic BALDELLI Abs... weareMFEO $59.00
Wood Letters J - Wall, Nurse... Hindsvik $125.00	Vintage Industrial Wooden St... bellalulu $120.00	dead meadow necklace - vinta... urbanlegend $25.00
Vintage Sweater Coat Cream W... ohthisnose $120.00	Hanging Air Plant Teardrop T... plantology $28.00	Washi Tape Organizer - Wood ... 464Handmade $35.00
Shut the front door 18x22 ha... WilliamDohman $175.00	10" Modern Wall Clock -... decoylab $90.00	Morning Delight- face nettin... yellowfield7 $380.00
Living in treehouse wonderla... Ninainvorm $49.00	Grumpy Melbourne Owl Brooch tigerandhare $20.00	Vintage FUN and GAMES Epheme... sushipotparts $6.00
Monty the Fox Lambswool Plus... saracarr $38.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

This week is kicking my booty. Here are a few things from my Favorites on Etsy that are making me smile this week despite all the crazy.

Monday - what can I say.

2012-01-23T09:20:00.000-08:00

Dutch designer Christiian Postma's Calendar Wallpaper

I'm afraid to look at my calendar. After last week's snow shut down, this week promises to kick my butt. I'm hoping to squeeze in a few hours of sewing on this top. Woke up grumpy. Anxiously awaiting the arrival of another new bag (yes, I have a problem). And this dress (that I got on sale of 1/3 the price). Happily watching the snow melt. Wishing one of these would land in my lap. Looking forward to leaving our house for the first time in 8 days, hoping I remember how to drive.

Favorite Things Friday: Snowbound

2012-01-20T09:11:00.000-08:00

We've been trapped in our house for about 5 days, with flickering power and unreliable phone and internet. This week was packed to the gills with appointments and plans - all of which got cancelled for me. And, I loved it. There's nothing like a good ole Pacific Northwest Snowpocalypse to force you to just slow the heck down. We baked batches of chocolate chip cookies and delicious French Breakfast Puffs (or sugar muffins as my kiddo now calls them). I attempted a sewing project only to find that I need more supplies - but it was exciting while it lasted. There were naps. Our generator kept us warm. Just moments ago I saw the first drips of snow melting off our iced-up, snow laden trees. It's supposed to be 20 degrees warmer today than yesterday. Being trapped inside with two of my favorite people on earth felt like a mini vacation. As I watch the snow start to melt, and glance over at my packed calendar for next week, I know this will be over way too soon.

10 books about selling on Etsy and beyond: A list

2012-01-19T12:31:00.000-08:00

Snopocalypse 2012 continues in my neck of the woods. We've lost a few trees, the power and internet has been on and off. Growing up in a town where this amount of snow was nothing to bat an eye at - I'm still always shocked at how things shut down when we even have the tiniest amount of snow. But - day 4 and it is still snowing at our house.

Anyhoo, I digress. this is not a post about snow! I've been daydreaming a lot about adding some new books to my collection. Here are 10 promising titles about selling your crafts on Etsy and beyond (and they are all on my wish list now).

1. How to Make Money Using Etsy: A Guide to the Online Marketplace for Crafts and Handmade Products by Timothy Adam

2. How to Sell Your Crafts Online: A Step-by-Step Guide to Successful Sales on Etsy and Beyond by Derrick Sutton

3. The Handmade Marketplace: How to Sell Your Crafts Locally, Globally, and On-Line by Kari Chapin

4. Etsy Success - How to Make a Full-Time Income Selling Jewelry, Crafts, and Other Handmade Products Online by Kathleen Donovan

5. Beyond Amazon, eBay and Etsy: free and low cost alternative marketplaces, shopping cart solutions and e-commerce storefronts, by Hillary DePian

6. Starting an Etsy Business For Dummies by Strine and Kate Shoup

7. The Right-Brain Business Plan: A Creative, Visual Map for Success by Jennifer Lee

8 Craft, Inc. Revised Edition: The Ultimate Guide to Turning Your Creative Hobby into a Successful Business And also check out the Craft Inc. Business Planner, by Meg Mateo Ilasco

9. Crafty Superstar: Make Crafts on the Side, Earn Extra Cash, and Basically Have It All by Grace Dobush

10. Sell Your Crafts Online: More Than 500 Free and Low-cost Ideas for Craft Artists to Get More Links, Traffic, and Sales by James Dillehay

Etsy Wednesday: Cold Comfort

2012-01-18T10:36:00.000-08:00

Vintage Tea Cup Set of 4- Lu... Yesterdayand2d... $23.00	Lavender Mint Splash Bath Bo... ElegantRoseBou... $11.25	White Cotton Bathrobe Wearab... ecofriendlybea... $60.00
Brown Sugar Gingerspice shor... whimsyandspice $8.50	natural white birch wood can... urbanplusfores... $12.00	Tree photograph, Snow fallin... EyePoetryPhoto... $30.00
Featured in Real Simple maga... TheGroovyBaker $10.00	White Rabbit Pattern PDF CynthiaTreenSt... $5.00	Felted slippers for woman. S... jurgaZa $65.00
Blink Bonnie, Organic Loose ... teavert $29.00	Wooden Ship - Large Handstit... odelae $70.00	Wood Tub Caddy: Reclaimed Oa... PegandAwl $120.00
Lusterware Teapot, Silver Vi... CarpeDiemTreas... $55.00	Legwarmers in Grey with butt... homelab $59.00	Custom Bedding Set My Lovely... LovelyHomeIdea $265.00
FREE SHIPPING - Cashmere & M... $32.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

It's a SNOW DAY here in the Pacific Northwest. The anticipation of this 'snow event' has been brewing for days. On top of that, I've been trying to get over a cold. How much would I love to crawl into a deep warm bath, do a little journaling, drink some tea and crawl back into bed?

Right now

2012-01-12T17:26:00.000-08:00

Bullseye Geometric Print : $23 by twoems on Etsy

I am:

listening to my kiddo be read to by her grandma

unapologetically using Puffs Plus on my runny nose

sucking on ice to numb my throat

wishing it was spring

watching a Psychedelic Furs video

thinking about being a teenager

thinking that my spell checker has given up on me

or that my computer is about to crash

needing to do about 100 other things than write this post

These Dreams

2012-01-10T07:52:00.000-08:00

So, I've always been one to have pretty entertaining dreams. But something about pregnancy makes my dreams go all the way to 11. Yesterday afternoon as my kiddo and I had our daily drawing time I decided to sketch out some of my favorites.

A few nights ago one of my body pillows became a delicious oversized bag of super salty ruffled potato chips seasoned with dill that I kept eating while sleeping. Strangely, I woke up with swollen ankles.

One night not too long ago I joined a Victorian era polygamist cult with a friend from my kiddo's preschool. We were married to a guy who looked just like Snidley Whiplash and we all lived in the basement of a large antique warehouse. My friend wore this crazy silky peach dress everywhere.

Later that night I earned my freedom from the cult by entering a knife throwing contest where I had to throw knives over my head with my eyes closed. I (cheated and) won $10,000.00.

And just last night I met and old friend from high school to go lap swimming but instead of exercising we just floated in the pool and ate large plates of chocolate chip cookies (not a bad idea, subconscious).
Finally, one of my favorites to date. Returning to my physical therapist to be told that my therapy for that day would be to go lay in the surf of the Pacific Ocean and be beaten by both the surf and the tail of a large whale. I excitedly laid down and took a good beating.

.

Dreams of capes and coffee

2012-01-09T09:29:00.000-08:00

Arizona Sonoran Desert Cactus Scene by boran2 on Etsy

Recovering from a night of insomnia. Wishing I could make myself an espresso from this adorable machine. Realizing that I don't have a coat that fits anymore and fantasizing about making a cape, like this one. Wondering if it would give me super powers. Thinking a lot about this birth story, as I think about what I want for mine. Looking out at the grey sky, wishing I could follow my snowbird neighbors here.

Mama's got a brand new bag

2012-01-08T10:56:00.000-08:00

Bag from Deyitta on Etsy

To celebrate making it into my 8th month of preggo-land I bought a great handmade bag today via etsy - to serve as an oversized purse and diaper bag for the new little one. I can't wait to ditch the old bag I've been schlepping about for the last few years. Long live handmade.

Favorite Things Friday: Comfy Cozy

2012-01-06T06:58:00.000-08:00

This week has been all about comfort in the midst of craziness. Some of my favorite things from this week: a Decaf Caramel Brulee Latte with whip cream from that evil place I swear I don't love going to, but damn... it's so convenient. The Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread we made this week. I seriously cannot say enough about this recipe. The mammoth stack of pillows that now accompany me to bed. The new light that finally hangs over our dining table. It just makes me happy to look at it, and bask in its paper lantern-like glow. The forced paperwhites given to us by good friends for Christmas and the one rouge bloom that has shot out of the tiny mason jar vase and grown to be no less than two feet tall. I love its joie de vivre.

Tired Giant

2012-01-05T09:47:00.000-08:00

From yesterday's late afternoon drawing session with the kiddo. A self portrait. Tired Giant is my new name.

Etsy Wednesday: Squeaky Clean

2012-01-04T10:10:00.000-08:00

Organically Grown Hemp Bath ... ThoughtfulGems... $19.95	Neem oil Shampoo Bar - Pre-O... AquarianBath $6.25	WHISKEY After-Shave Splash -... portlandgenera... $15.95
Vintage Brass Soap Dish / So... VintagePennyLa... $12.00	Art for the bathroom- Tooth-... jamieshelman $24.00	Black Licorice Candy Scented... whiffsofwhimsy $5.00
Green Monster hooded Bath to... Yikestwins $37.00	OREO COOKIES and Cream Soap ... SweetbodySoaps $6.95	Shaving Soap, Basil Lime Sha... SmithFamilySoa... $13.00
WOOD Hair Comb comfortable s... GiftGoGreen $5.90	Black Licorice Handmade Soap soapysuessoaps... $4.50	Moustache Wax Action Pack - ... MansFaceStuff $26.00
Pink & Lime Green Paisley Sh... PondLilly $119.99	Gold Tooth Brooch - Green &#... CandyBandits $5.50	Vintage Sewing Pattern 1970&... patternshop $9.99
Baby Cinnamon Rolls - 6 Pack... soapopotamus $8.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Here's to a fresh, clean start in 2012! For Christmas gifts this year I ordered a lot of handmade soaps from Etsy, which gave me the idea for this Etsy Wednesday group.

Here's my review of the stuff I ordered: The Oreo soaps were a huge hit with my kiddo and truly leave your hands smelling like chocolate. The Cinnamon Roll soaps from Soapoptamus are super creamy and smell exactly like a fresh glazed cinnamon roll. So cool. For the black licorice lovers on my list I ordered a few of the beautiful marbled licorice bars, which smelled good enough to eat. And, lucky for me (and you!) there's still a lot of squeaky clean goodness to be found on Etsy.

Back to it

2012-01-03T09:16:00.000-08:00

Russel Wright American Modern Tea Cups $44 from Claire Quilter on Etsy

Looking forward today to enjoying a cupppa of this with cream and sugar. Thinking a lot about my new desk in a closet. Feeling grateful for my work with this fun company, and having my work now sold in Ohio and Iowa. Wondering if I will ever get to the midwest for a proper visit - someday, I hope. Feeling excited about finally listing my fancy clothes from my past life on ebay, a process that has taken months to complete. Getting ready to bake more delicious loaves of this with my 4 year old sous chef - the only way she'll touch zucchini.

12 in 2012 : a list

2012-01-02T15:47:00.000-08:00

12 things to do in 2012

1. Have another baby (this is actually happening in 9 weeks. I drew this picture the day I found out, and yes it's a girl)!
2. Learn how to make a really good martini (after baby is born, of course).
3. Continue to make the work that I love.
4. Listen more and talk less.
5. Learn how to cook something from each country in our family's lineage - this means: Dutch, German, Irish, English, Danish, and French. We've got most of northern Europe covered.
6. Exercise and feel strong in my body (typed while chewing a mouth full of chocolate covered raisins).
7. Keep on working with the best Creative Business Consultant around.
8. Have our family photos taken by this amazing photographer again.
9. Go out on more dates with my beloved.
10. Sew, craft, and make more art with my kid.
11. Vend at a local craft show.
12. Blog more, facebook less!

There you have it! Happy 2012, readers.

Favorite Things Friday: Memories in Black and White

2011-12-09T11:10:00.001-08:00

People! This month is crazytown. I'm serious! I was just listing off all the things that are going on right now, like, this week - lets see: house appraisal for refinance, car appraisal to get it fixed from a fender bender last week, rental car procurement, throwing a gingerbread house decorating party for my kid and friends, freelance work for American Greetings, keeping up with my etsy shop, Christmas shopping, taking kiddo to the nutcracker, trying to figure out when to see my friends in between it all. All great things, I assure you! But all at once makes me feel a tad overwhelmed.

So due to crazytown, this week's installment of FTF will be video heavy. Both of these songs were paramount in my art school days. No, not because I went to school between the years 1954 and 1967, but because I was obsessed with this type of music at that time. My studio mates and I listened to it constantly. I have such fond memories of dancing around the silkscreen studio (sometimes on tabletops) with a drippy squeegee in hand busting out ridiculous moves to some of these tunes, or dancing with my pal Uncle Beefy in the coffee shop we worked in together. Such sweet memories of a much simpler time.

Larger than life

2011-11-30T13:58:00.001-08:00

Sandwich Tomato Landscape Original Collage $30 by Wald Wolken on Etsy

This image represents how my life feels right now. Those larger than life sandwiches, with all their layers are the responsibilities on my rather small size plate. And yeah, collectively those responsibilities feel larger than life, and a bit scary too. And yeah, even though I am so busy it is absurd - I am still, somehow, able to laugh.

Couldn't We Ride?

2011-11-28T17:59:00.001-08:00

The new Muppet movie has me thinking about The Great Muppet Caper, which I saw when I was in first grade. This scene blew my mind - all of the Muppets riding bikes. I remember my jaw literally dropping. I had no idea how it was done. It still impresses me today, love it.

Keep Drawing

2011-11-20T16:28:00.001-08:00

keep drawing from studio shelter on Vimeo.

There are days when I want to draw, but just can't get to my sketchbook. Today was one of those days. This video is amazing, inspiring, and reminds me to return to the page as soon as I can.

Favorite Things Friday: Curtis Mayfield

2011-11-18T17:43:00.001-08:00

Heard this song on the radio today (thank you KEXP ) and fell in love with it, I definitely need more Curtis Mayfield in my life. Here are the lyrics:

Hush now child,
and don't you cry
Your folks might understand you
by and by
Move on up
towards your destination
You may find
from time to time
Complications

Bite your lip
and take a trip
Though there may be
wet road ahead
You cannot slip
So move on up
and peace you will find
Into the steeple
of beautiful people
Where there's only one kind

So hush now child
and don't you cry
Your folks might understand you
by and by
Just move on up
and keep on wishing
Remember your dreams
are your only schemes
So keep on pushing
Take nothing less -
not even second best
And do not obey -
you must have your say
You can past the test

Move on up!

Drips and drops

2011-11-17T17:40:00.001-08:00


Rainbow Gumdrop Tree Fine Art Print $15 by CCreativity on Etsy

Can't stop eating spice drops today. Thinking about what else we could do with the big bag I bought (instead of stuffing my face with them when my kid isn't looking). Feeling happy about dinner that cooks itself. Listening to the rain and wind outside. Looking forward to having some family photos taken by this talented lady - even though I have no idea what to wear. Looking forward to eating this and this next week. November - so far so good.

Etsy Wednesday: $25 and under gifts for kids

2011-11-16T10:46:00.001-08:00

Owl Stuffed Toy Softie PDF S... DollsAndDaydre... $10.00	Wooden Toy Car littlewoodenwo... $6.00	Primary Posies Headband RuthCreates $18.00
Small rainbow stacker- Eco-f... Imaginationkid... $14.00	Vintage Kid's Plastic Te... youngteam1981 $22.00	Felt Food Shrimp Salad BonaFideDoodad... $20.00
Babys First Colors - 4 Kitty... kittybblove $14.00	Fair Trade Motorcycle Fairtradeselle... $16.99	Gluten-Free Natural Play Dou... MamaKs $4.99
Baby Shoes - Mary Jane - Red... GardenAlley $22.00	Oreo cookie soap- set of two soaparty $8.50	One Sheet, Pillow, and Pillo... QuietudeQuilts $12.00
STRATEGIC MARBLE MAZE Game limeGreener $20.00	6' Giraffe Growth Chart ... BubbaAndDoodle $22.00	Crayon Apron in Green Happy ... BobalooKids $18.00
Eco friendly wooden fish rat... medinisarkliuk... $9.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

I feel pretty lucky that I have to do some kid-friendly Etsy shopping this year. Check out some of the great handmade stuff you can find for the kids on your list, and for under $25 bucks. A great way to support handmade this holiday season.

Slow Day

2011-11-15T21:27:00.001-08:00

Anna Hat by CrocheTrend on Etsy Pattern $8

Last night I hosted about 17 people at my place for a meeting, and today I am totally wiped out. We took a day off today - not getting out of our comfy clothes all day, not leaving the house, finishing this hat (above), coloring, taking a 3 hour nap, and eating pancakes for dinner. Thank goodness for taking a slow day.

Let's Groove

2011-11-13T14:22:00.001-08:00

I think I have a thing for Earth, Wind and Fire. This video is awesome - I mean, check their outfits! It will be a while until I can boogie on down to this (got a nice torn hamstring), but once I'm healed....watch out!

25 Holiday gifts (you and) your kid can make

2011-11-11T12:56:00.001-08:00

I fully realize that we haven't even hit Thanksgiving yet, and here I am talking about Christmas, sorry T-Day. But thinking ahead in the case of handmade gifts is pretty necessary (believe me, I've learned the hard way). This year, I have a 4 year who old seems exited to make as many holiday gifts as we can. Here are 25 ideas for you to try with your kids, and to get you inspired to spend some time making things together.

Mixes in Jars. We've been making jars of hot chocolate mix for family and friends for the past two years. My kid loves to help me measure and dump the layers into the jars. Try giving hot chocolate mix, BBQ rubs, cookies, and soup mixes.

Salt Dough Ornaments. We made a bunch of these last year, and I loved playing with the dough as well. Try mixing food coloring into the dough ahead of time instead of painting - so much fun. Recipe here.

Stamp your kids art on cards. Follow these easy instructions to get one of your kid's adorable doodles made into a stamp. Then have them stamp it on cards to give as gifts! I love getting stamps made at RubberStamps.net

Monogram a mug. Check out this cool tutorial from DesignMom. I seriously want to get my hands on one of the Porcelaine Pens she talks about. I mean, you could draw anything on a plate or mug. How cool is that? Move over kid....

Make a piece of fine art. I love this idea and tutorial for making a limited edition print using scratch foam.

Fabric Fun. Armed with a scanner, you could make yards and yards of fabric out of a little doodle done by your kid over at Spoonflower. You can actually get a piece as small as a fat quarter. I'm particularly fond of a hot pink spider my kid recently drew, and can just picture it as a fabric pattern. Then think of the possibilities! Older kids could sew napkins, table runners, pillows, aprons....

Mix up some glitter dough. You could pre-mix this fancy, scented play-doh recipe or help your kid assemble it as a dry mix in a cute jar. Pair with some cookie cutters and you've got a kid friendly gift that your kids will also love putting together. Try the Martha Stewart glitter for extra pizazz.

Bake something delicious. Since my kid loves to bake with me, we have enjoyed giving neighbors loaves of this Marbled Chocolate Banana Bread or this Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread for their freezers (for a breakfast or tea time treat after the holiday sugar rush wears off).

Good clean fun. Kids will love mixing up batches of home made bubble bath. Both of these recipes look great. One, from The Green Parent and the other from DesignMom. I love the idea of packaging them in squeezable bear bottles. Older kids could even make fun labels.

Shrink it. I still have a Shrinky Dink ornament I made when I was 3. I'm excited for my kid to try this craft this year.

Recipe Dish Towel. This is a super cute idea that would be perfect for a family member who has everything. I love the idea of asking the child how their favorite recipe from grandma is made, and putting that on the towel instead of a traditional recipe.

Secret Hollow Book. Probably better suited for older kids, since it involves an exact o knife, but oh so fun to make and receive.

My Favorite Tunes. My kid is really starting to express her musical tastes. Right now she loves any song that is in French or Italian ( Lou Monte, and Edith Piaf: thanks Pandora). This year, we want to make a CD collection of her top 10 songs from this year to give to her friends. Any relief from 'kid music' is greatly appreciated in my house.

Marble magnents. A friend made me these a few years ago and I love them. Your kids could do a whole set of magnets featuring the faces of family members, their favorite book or cartoon characters, or any other fun theme.

Stash buster yarn bowl. I love the look of this yarn bowl from Blissfully Domestic and am sure that a kid would love to make it. Not only does it look super cool, it could really help get rid of a lot of my yarn stash!

Custom Calendar This is great, computer-free idea for making custom calendars, and a great way to purge some kiddo art!

Button wreath ornament. Kids large and small love to string stuff on wire or string, and I love how simple these ornaments look. Buy a bag of bulk buttons from the craft store and string away!

Name magnets. Have your child shape the letters in their friends names using fimo clay, add magnets to the back and you have a unique personalized gift that also spells F-U-N.

Patchwork notebook. This would make an adorable gift for anyone who likes to journal, and a fun way to use up extra sheets of scrapbook paper or old magazines.

Ruffle Scarf. Made from a tee shirt, this scarf would be fun for an older kid to make for their friends.

Snowman Pencils. Making a batch of these to give out to classmates or friends would be super easy and fun.

Kid art on everything. Using sites like Zazzle or Cafe Press your child's art can be placed on mugs, ties, shoes, notecards, sigg bottles, and even iphone cases. And don't underestimate the simplicity of giving a nicely framed piece of your child's art as a gift.

Make a Silhouette picture. Here's a super kid friendly and low tech way to make a silhouette picture. Love this.

Interview you child on a certain topic, especially if they are too little to initiate a story on their own (what is your favorite thing to do with Grandma?, etc) Then, using a site like Blurb, make a great bound book featuring your kid's interview. Pair it with photos of your little one to make for a lasting keepsake for special people in your child's life. Or scan in drawings done by your child. There are some fun ideas about writing stories with your kid, here, and to get the conversation going try these fun conversation cards.

Finally, wrap your handmade creations in homemade gift wrap . Another fun way to re purpose a lot of the kid art you have hanging around your house!

Favorite Things Friday: Geriatric Version

2011-11-11T08:00:00.001-08:00

Yeah, this drawing looks like it could belong to someone 3 times my age. I'm feeling 3 times my age this week, for sure. This week is dedicated to my heating pad. It has been the constant companion of my groin and butt. Sorry, that's graphic I know. I pulled a muscle mid week, and wow. Ouch. I've also been dripping each and every thing I eat on myself, causing me to become close friends with my stain stick. So much excitement this week I can hardly stand it. We've been teaching the kiddo how to play dominoes and she loves it. I also whipped up a batch of Paula Deen's Pumpkin Bars (and promptly spilled some on myself) But the bites that managed to make it to my mouth were delicious. I've been indulging in a daily cup of hot cocoa each morning and I kind of love it. This is also that time of year in my part of the world where, if we get lucky, we need both sunglasses and Smartwool socks. Hopefully next week will be more age appropriate. Happy Friday!

Etsy Wednesday: Into The Woods

2011-11-09T09:00:00.000-08:00

Fox and a Phonograph - High... pamwishbow $40.00	SALE - Mine Mountain Paper C... supercoolspycl... $100.00	City Fox - Print zaraillustrate... $25.00
Little Vixen Necklace Joannarutter $135.00	Raccoon art print 8x10 berkleyillustr... $18.00	Black Bear krisblues $20.00
Nest No. 41 original fine ar... GollyBard $95.00	Bunny Brooch - I have a Must... krize $27.00	nuit 3 aliette $25.00
Aunt Wapiti - Altered Antiqu... BeatUpCreation... $49.00	homestead spreadthelove $20.00	large vintage brown mushroom... hitree $5.00
MilkMaid Stool - Custom - Ma... grayworksdesig... $450.00	GUITAR PLAYING OWL Pickin ... YeeHaw $14.00	Geometric Wood Candlesticks ... UrbanAnalog $36.50

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Here's a collection of woodsy inspired items by some of my favorite Etsy sellers. Can't wait to start doing my Christmas shopping!

The Webb Wilder Credo

2011-11-08T20:40:00.000-08:00

Webb Wilder Credo Letterpress Poster $25 by YeeHaw on Etsy

I'm adopting this credo (and I need to pay attention to the last item on the list - time for some new glasses).

Work In Progress: Gnomes

2011-11-07T07:05:00.000-08:00

I made it to my desk at 5:50 this morning (thank you daylight savings time)! Here is a little screen shot of what I am working on. Hopefully these guys will be ready for their debut soon. Happy Monday, people!

Totally inspired

2011-11-06T08:08:00.000-08:00

Red Hook - a film about Tommy Kane from DannyGregory on Vimeo.

After catching up on my favorite art blogs the other day I was totally inspired and blown away by this film made by Danny Gregory and his son Jack Tea. If watching this doesn't make you want to bust out your sketchbook and pens (or visit New York) you need to have your head checked.You can see more of Tommy Kane's amazing sketchbook work here.

New bucket list item: visit New York and DRAW everything.

10 blogs that make me feel like drawing (a list)

2011-11-05T16:38:00.000-07:00

LOVE - Limited Edition Giclee Print : $20 by Helen Dardik on Etsy

As I get back into the swing of creating after a time away, I find that I need a good dose of inspiration to get started. Why is getting started always the hardest part? Here are some of my very favorite blogs to visit when I need a little inspirational kick in the pants.

1. Flora Chang's Happy Doodle Land
2. Unicorn Poo
3. Danny Gregory's Blog
4. Gemma Correll
5. Ingela P Arrhenius
6. Mary Kate McDevitt's tumblr
7. grainedit
8. Kate Hidley's Hollow Log Blog

9. Susie Ghahremani' s boy girl party
10. Helen Dardik's Orange You Lucky

Favorite Things Friday: Chips and Chanter

2011-11-04T07:53:00.000-07:00

Yes! Finally some drawing on this blog. Hello Friday! Here are some favorite things from this week - probably the most normal week I've had since June. The practice chanter that my bagpipe teacher lent me, that sounds a bit like the bagpipes when I am doing it right, or like a duck being hugged a bit too hard when I'm not. Salty, crunchy bagel chips spread with soft cream cheese. Honeycrisp apples - I think they are almost out of season. I've been eating 2 per day just in case. These boots, which I just can't quite get out of my mind. And, yep. 5:30 am. I'm love you even though you are dark and cold and feel like the middle of the night. Happy Friday, everyone.

Fall on me

2011-11-03T06:50:00.000-07:00

Milk Sweater by Pixiepurls { Pattern available for $7 here }

Thinking a lot about this little sweater. Knit in this fabulous yarn. While drinking a lot of this homemade hot chocolate mix, munching on some 5 minute artisan bread slathered with butter and jam. And watching rusty colored leaves fall from my neighbor's oak tree.

Beginnings

2011-11-02T20:52:00.000-07:00

"You Are OK" Vintage Letterpres Type $70 by monkivintage on Etsy

"You can learn new things at any time in your life if you're willing to be a beginner.

If you actually learn to like being a beginner, the whole world opens up to you."
- Barbara Sher

Sooo...last night I took my first bagpipe lesson. It was a fun, yet humbling experience. It has been a really, really long time since I have been a complete beginner at something. And it was hard, I'm not going to lie. Trying to get my fingers just right on the practice chanter, and trying to get them to do what I wanted made my brain hurt. I kept wondering, how long until this things feels as comfortable as a pencil in my hand, or how long until I can finger notes on this thing like I do the flute I've played (for only 29 years)? It made me realize how much more challenging it is to be a beginner, especially as we get older - but also what a powerful experience it can be if we learn to enjoy the process.

Firsts on the first!

2011-11-01T16:49:00.000-07:00

Ok, so NaBloPoMo didn't go so well in October - the kiddo survived a bout of Hand Foot and Mouth disease and a double ear infection, and I took a few trips to the hospital for some scary blood tests. Luckily all is now well, and I am hopeful about the month of November!

And tonight? It is my first bagpipe lesson. Yes, you read that right. Bagpipes. Learning how to play the bagpipes is on my bucket list - along with marching in a pipe band. I'm even surprised by it myself. Anyhow, as I creep closer to the big 4-0 these funny dreams of mine have started seeming even more important. I got a set of pipes for my birthday, so that sealed the deal. Bagpipes now - clarinet and guitar next. I'm planning on being a totally eccentric octogenarian.

Sha-la-la-la-la-la, live for today.

2011-10-11T10:52:00.000-07:00

I was talking to my good friend yesterday about living in the moment - something I am getting a lot of practice with right now (too much practice if you ask me). After our chat this song started running through my mind. I had to look it up on YouTube - the clip is pretty hilarious. I love the horrible lip syncing, the fact that their guitars are not plugged in to any kind of amp, their neckerchiefs, and that backdrop is pretty stellar as well. And...on lead guitar? That's Creed from The Office. Who knew? And still, while this song could win an award for its cheesy goodness - I'm still going to be singing it to remind me "And don't worry 'bout tomorrow, hey, hey, heySha-la-la-la-la-la, live for today..."

Let's try this again...

2011-10-10T08:40:00.000-07:00

Flat Head $40 by Kim Murton

So, my NaBloPoMo challenge didn't quite go the way I planned last week - sort of like my life right now. Full of unpredictable twists and turns, some which have been leaving me feeling pretty low. Anyhow, it's a new week so let's try again. One thing I am looking forward to this week is the arrival of my Lemon Yellow Flat Head from awesome ceramic artist Kim Murton. Can't wait to hang this on my wall!

Etsy Wednesday: Vintage Crochet

2011-10-05T22:19:00.000-07:00

I originally thought I'd do a post about all the great crochet patterns you can find on etsy. Because, there are some cool ones out there. But as I looked around, I realized that it would be way more entertaining to show you some of the wacky vintage crochet patterns available there. Like this out of control granny square blanket available at Wonky Zebra.

And next time you come over this is how I'll greet you, in a fabulous crochet Maxi Dress!

Sneak Peek : Cat's Meow

2011-10-04T09:54:00.001-07:00

Coming soon to my etsy shop, a new print about cats. The real deal makes me sneeze like the dickens, but hand-drawn cats agree with me just fine (and are a lot easier to take care of).

Preschool Musical

2011-10-03T08:48:00.000-07:00

It is my day to work at the kiddo's preschool today - how much do I wish the kids would break into song like this? This spoof kills me.

Sunday Funnies: googly eyes

2011-10-02T13:34:00.000-07:00

A lazy Sunday around here. We've been having a little too much fun taping googly eyes to everything, because as you know everything is better with googly eyes.

10 things I love about fall : a list

2011-10-01T16:02:00.000-07:00

Chunky Scarf The Snow Leopard in Navy $180 by Yokoo on Etsy

1. Wearing Scarves. All.The.Time. (I love the look of the scarf above and the lady who creates them) I inherited my grandmother's aversion to 'drafts' especially around my neck - area.

2. Honeycrisp apples. I'd like to dip some in this.

3. Hot tea, the way my friend Librarian Girl taught me to make it.

4. Trees turning bright red and yellow. That's a no-brainer, I know.

5. Cool nights for sleeping.

6. Boots, boots, boots. I need a new pair this year (drooling over these). I have extremely skinny ankles and calves but reaaaally large feet. It makes boot shopping oh so interesting because ye olde boot-makers seem to think that if you have gigantor feet your should also have gigantor ankles ankles....sigh.

7. Stew. Ok, that sounds silly and really Little House on The Prairie doesn't it? But a good Beef Stew on a cool autumn night? Yum.

8. Rain. There I said it. I like it for about the first two months of fall - talk to me again in November and by then I will have changed my tune. But for now it feels cozy and I'm going with it.

9. Knitting. For some reason I can't knit in the summer, but come fall I'm all over it. Hoping to finish this hat if the pattern does not kill me first.

10. Another month of NaBloPoMo - starting today. I've been away from my blog for so long, it really needs a kick in the ribs. And this should do just the trick.

What do you love about fall?

Do you realize?

2011-09-30T13:59:00.000-07:00

Do you realize ? - The Flaming Lips by leiloute

Sometimes your week is going pretty crappy, and then one day the clouds part and goodness comes pouring in from all directions. This song is playing over and over in my head today. This one is for you, Miss M!

Preschool Street Style

2011-09-14T17:12:00.000-07:00

From the book Fresh Fruits by Shoichi Aoki

Many years ago I remember looking at and being inspired by the book Fresh Fruits by Shoichi Aoki. I loved the wild and unapologetic color and pattern combinations put together by the teens from the suburbs of Toyko. I never bought the book. I'm thinking I should have, just to remind myself that I once found it inspiring - because now I have a 4 year old that could put this book to shame.

Yesterday it was rainbow stripped leggings with a polka dotted hoodie (no the polka dots didn't match the rainbow stripes). Today it was a pink floral vintage sundress (mine circa 1976), her neon turquoise leggings, a red Christmas sweater trimmed with oversized felt flowers, Hello Kitty hot pink knee socks, and flashing shoes.

It goes against every matchy-matchy graphic designer bone in my body. The years of color theory I had drilled into my brain between art and design school - crushed, or rather, thrown in the blender.

And yet down at my core I kind of dig it. Too soon the day might come when she will feel the pressure to fit in. For now, I'm just going to try and sit back and be inspired (wish me luck).

Having Fitz

2011-08-18T12:08:00.000-07:00

After an entire summer of feeling like total crap, looks like I am capping it off with a groovy summer cold. Luckily I recently scored this retro tissue box cover by Fitz & Floyd on ebay. At least I'm not the only one sneezing. I really love the 70s designs by Fitz & Floyd. In the 80s they went more the way of geese with neck bows, but the 70s stuff makes me giggle.

Another Fitz I was recently introduced to is a group called Fitz and The Tantrums (thanks Chrissy). Check out this video of their song Don't Gotta Work it Out, filmed on a canal boat in Amsterdam. They are boating right through the old neighborhood where I went to school 20 odd years ago. Such nostalgia.

Lost

2011-07-28T17:56:00.000-07:00

I snapped this photo a few months ago, and I have been waiting for the perfect chance to use it here. The past month has been tough around these parts - nothing bad, trust me, but July has been a challenge on many fronts. I'm coming out of the fog, slowly.

Giveaway winner!!

2011-07-20T11:26:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends. I've been under the weather for the past few weeks - I am so sorry that this is late! The winner of my print in commenter #4 - MissM! Miss M, please contact me to let me know how you want this sent to you. Thanks everyone for playing along. This print is now available in my shop.

Keep it Simple: a new print and a giveaway!

2011-06-29T06:46:00.000-07:00

Back in design school, one of our instructors used to like to refer to the KISS principle (Keep it simple, Stupid). In design, the most simple solution is usually the best, even though not always easy to get to. I learned this lesson over and over while in school and later in my work.

I'm finding that the principle applies to my life more and more as the layers of my life grow more rich and numerous. Simplify, simplify, simplify. The only way I have been able to manage all of the layers of my life is to start by managing my expectations. Not that I always succeed - my natural tendency towards perfectionism is a hard one to beat down.

For me simplifying does not mean settling for less. It just means that I simplify the parts of my life that I care less about (making meals, cleaning house) so that the parts I care about most (time with my family, and creativity) can be more full. Par exemple: Meal planning and prep used to take up a buttload of my time. Eating healthy is uber important to us but I hate the planning part of making menus and lists. Recently I spent an afternoon making 4 different weekly menus with accompanying shopping lists and we just rotate them during the month. It is so simple, and now we rarely have to think about what we are eating.

I honestly made this print as a reminder to myself - it is going to hang right there over my desk. But I decided that if I were going to look at it daily I didn't want it calling me stupid, and my guess is that most people don't want to be called stupid either.

And now the fun part! I'll be giving away one of these prints on July 13. To be in the running, just leave a comment below and let me know how you Keep it Simple in your life, or even if you are struggling to keep it simple, or prefer keeping it complicated. Whatevs! The winner will be picked at random and announced right there!

Goofus

2011-06-27T06:45:00.001-07:00

Because when Monday sneaks up on you, and you have nothing prepared for your blog, but you are feeling committed to NaBloPoMo - you post another vintage Welk video.

the crap in my purse: a list

2011-06-25T06:39:00.000-07:00

drikab honeycomb jute pouch $29 by Dirka B on Etsy

There was a time not too long ago when I used to carry a really small purse. My coworkers used to chuckle at how small it was. Life was simple. All I needed in my purse was my wallet and cell phone. Then I became a mom, and it was a total purse game changer. Digging for my cell phone the other day, I was the one who had a good chuckle. Here's what now lives in my oversized handbag:

1. ipod touch

2. bag of cheddar cheese sticks (old)

3. a power bar

4. gum

5. mentos

6. lipstick

7. small sketchbook

8. crayons

9. ink pens

10. keys

11. paperclips

12. a pair of socks

13. m&ms

14. immodium-AD

15. alka-seltzer tablets

16. tylenol

17. hand sanitizer

18. kleenex

19. antibacterial wipes

20. sunglasses case made by my grandma in 1970

21. a random USB cable

22. recipe for bread pudding made with Top Pot donuts

23. reusable shopping bag

24. lotion

25. lint and crumbs

26. large water bottle

27. a baby doll named Pink Harvey

28. cell phone


drikab orange volumes jute basic tote $72 by DirkaB on etsy

Favorite Things Friday: Party City

2011-06-24T07:27:00.000-07:00

This week has flown by. Here are few of my favorite things from this week. My once a year helping of Extra Crunchy Cheetos I ate at my kiddos birthday bash. The half-finished stretch Geo Metro I saw driving down the road. The leftover chocolate birthday cupcakes we enjoyed all week long (while watching Mad Men Season 4). The 100 kraft folders that arrived in the mail that are part of my new organizational system - I know, it doesn't take much to excite me these days. The Japanese stamp set that I am eagerly awaiting (to stamp the kraft folders). It comes in a tiny wooden suitcase, need I say more? And the two gray haired clowns driving a minivan behind me the other night. They were just driving along, having a conversation with their fake plastic noses bobbing, like it was the most normal thing in the world.

Etsy Wednesday: Front Page!

2011-06-22T06:59:00.000-07:00

A big thanks to my friends over at Half Pint Salvage for including my Love in A Trash Can print in this treasury that was featured on etsy's front page a few days ago. And a Hello! to all the folks who are visiting here for the first time.

In search of Cinderella

2011-06-21T06:16:00.000-07:00

Tilda Dolls by Donna Bloom on Flickr

The week before my kiddo's 4th birthday, she got hit hard with Cinderella Fever. We visited a bookstore and she poured over the Disney Cinderella books like she was studying for the SATs. She knows all of the names of the princesses somehow, as if by osmosis. I've never told her who Belle or Sleeping Beauty are. And so it begins...

For those of you with girls, I am sure you are aware that the Disney princesses are everywhere you go - on disposable diapers, cans of soup, band aids, and fruit snacks. And while I don't want to repress any princess longings she might have - I don't want to go down the Disney Princess road. It is so pre-packaged, so lacking room for imagination. And frankly, I don't want my 4 year old playing with an unrealistically big-bosomed, small waisted doll in a prom dress. Sorry. She's 4, and for the time being I want to keep her that way.

And, I want her to think outside the box.

This week I found the book Fanny by Hollie Hobbie. In it, Fanny begs her mom for the latest Connie doll - sort of a Barbie on steroids looking thing. When her mom tells her why she won't buy her one "I don't like the way they look. They're just ...too much". Fanny decides to make her own. That's when I got my idea.

Together my kiddo and I will be making our own Cinderella doll. I found a great book by Tone Finnanger that features the Tilda Doll like the ones pictured above. As soon as it arrives in the mail we'll start shopping for supplies. I'll involve the kiddo in every step of the process - picking out the fabric and hair, helping me sew. I want her to feel proud about what we can make together. This is going to be good.

Labor of love

2011-06-20T15:10:00.000-07:00

For anyone who has tried to reach me for the past week - this is where I've been. Hunkered over my sewing machine, trying to finish the Portabellopixie Analise Dress.

Made for my kiddo who just turned 4. As I worked on it I couldn't help but realize that the dress was a true metaphor for parenting. Multilayered, challenging, confusing at times, larger than life (the bottom ruffled measured 21 FEET long before I gathered it). But in the end, beautiful (just like the little girl who wore it) and worth every single minute put into it.

My day so far

2011-06-16T23:59:00.000-07:00

Carnival Sprinkle Cupcake Girl $14 by Magic Bean Buyer on Etsy

Plan to make 4 dozen homemade cupcakes and homemade frosting for the birthday kid. Buy bulk chocolate chunks for fancy frosting recipe. Get home and realize you were charged $34 for the bulk chocolate. Drive the long-ass way back to the store to get $28 refund. Return home. Realize that you can't make fancy frosting because you don't own a food processor. So, you make a different recipe using smaller amount of said chocolate chunks. Wonder as you are mixing the frosting what you are going to do with 2 extra pounds of chocolate. Realize something is wrong. Frosting looks runny. Taste frosting. Frosting totally sucks.

Grrrr.

Decide to put your feet up for just a few minutes. Remember that you were doing so well with NaBloPoMo. Wonder what to post. Decide to post a rant about frosting. Find a figurine wearing a cupcake on her head on etsy. Suddenly start to feel a little happier.

Etsy Wednesday: Gnomes and friends

2011-06-15T16:31:00.000-07:00

Speaking of Gnomes, I just ordered these two from the beautiful etsy shop HandyMaiden and I can't wait for them to arrive in the mail. Not only does HandyMaiden make adorable gnomes, she creates wonderful bird pins, and other jewelry featuring friendly fauna.

10 tiny custom gnome figures $90 by HandyMaiden on Etsy

Art Heros: Rien Poortvliet

2011-06-13T15:48:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite books growing up was Gnomes by Wil Huygen, illustrated by Rien Pootvliet. I loved the detail in his illustrations - almost scientific in their detail.

As a kid, I had no idea the book was originally published in Dutch. I was surprised and delighted to find a copy at my host family's home.I've been thinking a lot about this book lately. Who knows, it might even inspire a gnome print of my own.

Lake Whatcom Weekend

2011-06-12T20:37:00.000-07:00

Lake Whatcom by jcolman on Flickr

I just returned from a short stay on Lake Whatcom, at a retreat for the school board I'll be serving on next year. Not only were the surroundings beautiful, we had a lot of laughs, stayed up way too late, and ate too much sugar. It was lovely!

If I were your 80s aerobics instructor this is what you'd sweat to: a list

2011-06-11T07:17:00.000-07:00

1. Maniac

2. Don't Stop Till You Get Enough

3. Steppin' Out

4. Get Down on It

5. Push It
6. Oh Shelia
7. Lucky Star

8. What I Like About You

9. Dancing With Myself

10 .True

Maybe you don't know this about me, but I have a secret and long standing desire to be an aerobics instructor (ironic for someone that works out about 10 times per year). Blame it on all of the Solid Gold I watched as a kid, but I have a very real fantasy about donning tight sparkling clothing, getting on a raised platform and busting a move. Links to the videos above, and because I know you want to - here's a playlist:

Favorite Things Friday: Green

2011-06-10T16:44:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! Here are my favorite things from this week. A lady I saw at my local bookstore & cafe wearing an entire neon green outfit, sipping a Diet Mountain Dew. The three-pack of new Pink Pearl erasers I scored at the grocery store. Drawing with pencil. The crazy 10 person tent we just bought for summer car camping trips, absurdly huge and absurdly comfortable. Getting up at 5 - still making the list for this week. And these shoes from Israel: making me green with shoe-envy.

Sketchbook: The Brain Dump

2011-06-09T21:40:00.000-07:00

Part of my new early riser mantra is spending the first 30-40 minutes writing a 3 page stream of consciousness style entry in my journal followed by one page of stream of consciousness drawing. Neither produces my best writing or art, but my head feels so much clearer when I do this. Here's a sample from yesterday. I am really starting to love 5:00 am.

Etsy Wednesday: Lemon Lemon

2011-06-08T06:52:00.000-07:00

Summer Nights Shooting Stars... BootsNGus $130.00	Vintage Siku Ford Transit bu... mwest0425 $12.00	Paper Straws 100 Yellow St... ThePartyFairy $16.00
Saffron Eyelet 50s Heels Siz... BeckyDrolen $36.00	Lemon Slice Original Oil Pai... grandhorse $35.00	SALE was 18 vintage 1970s LE... nautiegodiva $13.00
Vintage mechanical alarm clo... ClockworkUnive... $29.00	Russel Wright American Moder... ClaireQuilter $59.00	Clutch Checked Yellow Clutc... ADGCORNERSHOP $26.00
Create Your Own Vintage Book... TheFancyLamb $22.00	1950s pin-up yellow two piec... maefairvintage $68.00	Vintage 1970s Yellow Butterf... MonDesirVintag... $
Overstock Sale - Beach Towel... buckscountyfra... $15.00	YELLOW WHITE STRIPES Cotton ... bestillshop $48.00	24 Assorted Regular French M... sparkleskitche... $27.60
When life hands you lemons dearcolleen $29.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

It is Wednesday, which means today is all about looking at / drooling over all the lovely variety available on Etsy. Here's collection of items that have me thinking about summer (although again, the weather in Seattle is totally not cooperating).

Art Heros: Ed Emberly

2011-06-07T06:40:00.000-07:00

Growing up, I spent hours upon hours making drawings from the Ed Emberly drawing books. My four dog-earred copies are right here on the shelf next to me as I write this. As a kid I was always surprised that so few of my friends knew about these books and remember watching them shock themselves when they were able to draw a pirate, car, vampire or a cat after just a few minutes at my kitchen table. Learning how to draw this way (using his alphabet of 6 shapes like he talks about in the video above) definitely influenced my drawing style forever.

Finally this guy is getting the recognition he deserves. A recent show in Los Angeles, and even a limited edition letterpress print with Cloudy Collection (right alongside some today's illustration heavyweights - Tad Carpenter, S.Britt, and Meg Hunt).

Above all, I love Emberly's mission to empower everyone to draw, to help them feel like they can succeed at it. Check out Ed Emberly's website it includes a lot of free projects and drawing tutorials. And get drawing!

Sketchbook: Barcelona

2011-06-06T07:35:00.000-07:00

Part of my recent trip to Europe included a one-day surprise visit to Barcelona. It was lovely! I'd been to Barcelona once before for a quick 48 hour stay back in 2003. Here are the sketchbook pages I made for each visit (2003 on the top, 2011 on the bottom). Both trips had a lot in common - lots of walking, delicious food, good friends, and sun. On the most recent trip I was horrified at some of the new fashion I saw, like the high waist baggy-crotch pants I saw on so many ladies - yikes!

Sunday sneak peek

2011-06-05T21:20:00.000-07:00

New work coming at you this week! Here's a sneak peek.

20 things I love about summer: a list

2011-06-04T07:37:00.000-07:00

Honeysuckle from my aunt's garden, Portland Oregon.

1. The sun filtering through our neighbor's pin oak tree

2. Starbuck's iced coffee (however wrong that may be - I still love it).

3. Fragrant, sun warmed pine needles

4. Flowers by the front door

5. Eating outside

6. The tan lines I get from my sandals

7. Drying the laundry outside

8. Swimming outdoors in a pool or lake

9. Hummingbirds

10. Honeysuckle

11. Picnics at the beach

12. Finally putting away my sweaters

13. Shoulder freckles

14. The smell of sunscreen

15. Spontaneous barbeques with friends, just because the weather is gorgeous

16. Peaches and nectarines

17. Unstructured weeks with my kiddo

18. Summer dresses

19. Road trips

20. Leaving the windows open until after the sun goes down

What about you?

Favorite Things Friday: Summer Begins!

2011-06-03T06:55:00.000-07:00

Is it already Friday? This week has been a good one. We got our new van which I think is going to double as my new mobile studio it has so much space inside. I discovered Dave's Killer Bread SinDawg, like a healthy gooey cinnamon roll bread log thingy. We had a fun summer play date with a friend, lists were made, iced coffee consumed (even though the weather here was as cold as the drink). I also succeeded at getting up at 5:30 am for some early morning quiet time after reading this article on becoming as early riser.

Happy Friday!

Red, head, fed, bread, small, ball, tall, wall....

2011-06-02T06:11:00.000-07:00

There is an ongoing request in my house for this video.I loved it as a kid, now my kid loves it too. It is so 70s I can hardly stand it.

See the red head bein' fed bread on his sled made of lead as he sped to be wed but he fled instead out ahead up to ten in his bed and he said: Red, head, fed, bread, small, ball, tall, wall, fat, cat, sat, hat, and that's that! Scat!

In other Muppet related news, Threadless is hosting a Muppet T-Shirt Design Contest.

My god, how much do I want to draw Dr. Bunson Honeydew?

Etsy Wednesday: Golden Hours

2011-06-01T07:31:00.000-07:00

I'm longing for the late evening glow of golden summer sun - it is no where to be seen here in Seattle. I created this treasury from my favorites - all in warm golden hues. Head on over to Etsy to get your fix.

In other news - it is June 1! I'm going to challenge myself to another round of NaBloPoMo. One post a day for the month of June. Perhaps the glow of my laptop screen will help with my longing for the sun.

My First Calder

2011-05-28T21:13:00.000-07:00

I wasn't planning on starting the "25 Summer Crafts..." list so soon, but a chance meeting with some marked down sticky-back foam at the craft store helped me decide which project would be first: The Foam Mobile from the book Kid Made Modern by Todd Oldham.

It was a ton of fun to make with my little assistant. I pre-cut the shapes and had them ready to go. My kiddo (nearly 4) had fun picking out which colors would go where, peeling the paper off the sticky-backed foam, and sticking the pieces together. We bent the wires together, and she decided the order in which to arrange the pieces. For the center string she picked a pink piece of yarn (of course) and I did the tying. It took a little while to get the balance correct, but once I bent the pieces a bit more here and there it worked out great. We've all been enjoying watching it spin around in our dining room, and the shadows it creates on the walls are lovely. Most importantly, she is super proud of this piece of art we made together.

The whole thing got me thinking about meeting my first Calder, nearly 20 years ago at The National Gallery in Washington, D.C. The mobile felt so colossal hanging over me. After this photo was snapped, I looked up. I remember thinking I could touch this, if I just reach a little higher. I stretched a bit more and touched it with my finger. I expected alarms to go off, but it just gently nodded at me - as if to say "Hello".

I was smitten.

25 Summer Crafts and 25 Books For Kids and Their Grownups.

2011-05-25T15:12:00.000-07:00

As of today, my kiddo is on summer vacation (although the weather feels more like winter). While part of me is thrilled about 20 some weeks of unstructured bliss another part of me is in a slight panic. Here's a list of 25 crafts to do with your kiddo this summer and 25 plus books to accompany each craft. I can't wait to get started!

Make a Smoothie (or 50): My number one goal this summer? Get my kid to enjoy eating more fruit. Read: Eating the Alphabet: Fruits & Vegetables from A to Z by Lois Ehlert.

Rock On with some Rock Crafts. Collecting rocks and making stuff from them is a cheap and fun way to learn a little bit about geology while being crafty too. Read: Rocks: Hard, Soft, Smooth, and Rough by Natalie M. Rosinsky.

Plant something to eat. After my failed attempt last year to grow food from seeds, I'll be buying lots of veggie starts this year, and growing them in containers on our deck. Read: Jack's Garden by Henry Cole.

Make a little Modern Art. I fell in love the first time I saw a real Calder mobile. Now, we can make one of our own. Read: Sandy's Circus: A Story About Alexander Calder by Tanya Lee Stone.

Sew a Reusable Shopping Bag. My kid is always wanting her own bag at the store. This project takes care of that while re-purposing an old or favorite tee shirt. Read: Bag in the Wind by Ted Kooser.

Plant a Terrarium. Terrariums all all the rage these days and I want one badly. They are also a great opportunity to learn about ecosystems on a super small scale. Read: Rain Forests: Gardens of Green by Laura Purdie Salas.

Make a Gnome of Your Own. Speaking of miniature worlds, who wouldn't want their very own gnome? Read: Serendipity: The Gnome From Nome by Stephen Cosgrove and Robin James.

Make a Rubber Band Bulletin Board. This project has been on my list for ages, the perfect kid safe bulletin board (no thumbtacks required). Read: How Far Will a Rubberband Stretch by Richard Thaler.

Create a Vacation Memory Jar. With this project you really can bottle up your vacation memories and keep them forever. Read: Pictures From our Vacation by Lynne Rae Perkins.

Paint Your Shoes. Why not? Read: What Can You Do With a Shoe? by Beatrice Schenk de Regniers.

Make Mud Pies. The dirt variety are a summer classic, but I also love the ice cream kind. Make both! Read: Mud Pies and Other Recipes: A Cookbook for Dolls by Marjorie Winslow.

Make Sock Puppets. For bonus points get your kids to use them to dust your house. For ideas on how to turn everything from a garden glove to a meatballer into a puppet, read: The Muppets Make Puppets by Cheryl Henson.

Tie Dye Something. Because it's groovy, baby. Read (for a good giggle) Everyday Fashions of the Sixties As Pictured in Sears Catalogs by JoAnne Olian.

Make a Cardboard Puppet Theatre. Because after you turn your meatballer into a puppet, it will need a stage. Read: Puppet Theatre by Maija Baric.

Make a Kaleidoscope because they are awesome. Need I say more? Read: Light: Shadows, Mirrors, and Rainbows by Natalie Rosinsky.

Organize Your Kid's School Work. I've been putting this off all year, but know that when it is done, bit my kid and I will enjoy looking back. Read: Aunt Claire's Yellow Beehive Hair by Deborah Blumenthal.

Paint The Town (or at least the sidewalk). I love this idea. Sadly I live where there are no sidewalks so we might have to borrow one in another neighborhood. Read: I Ain't Gonna Paint No More by Karen Beaumont.

Make Some Spoon Friends inspired by the wonderful artist Alexander Girard. Read: Spoon by Amy Krause Rosenthal.

Make a Rain Stick. This looks like a fun project. A four year old wielding a hammer could get interesting, though. Read: Rain by Manya Stojic.

Plant a Seashell Garden. These are just plain pretty to look at. Read: What Lives in a Shell? by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld

Play Alphabet Bingo. This game is a big-time hit at our place. Read: Alphabeasties: And Other Amazing Types by Sharon Werner and Sarah Forss.

Interview your kiddo. I love the idea of a yearly interview and with all the free time ahead summer seems like the time to do it. Read: Only One You by Linda Krantz.

Make a Little Sunshine. Living in the Pacific Northwest, the grim reality is that if we want to see the sun this summer, we might have to make it ourselves. Read: The Sun Is My Favorite Star by Frank Asch.

Draw Stories and Pictures Together. Before I hear the words "But I can't draw...." escape from your lips. Kindly shut up. Your kids don't care how 'well' you draw, or the fact that you can 'only draw stick figures'. Let then see you do something your not 100% great at, or better yet - let them see you working to improve at something. Here are a ton of suggestions to get you started. And I dare you to say you can "only draw a stick figure" after checking out one of Ed Emberly's genius books. Read (for kids) Beautiful Oops by Barney Saltzberg, The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds. Read (for grownups) Everyday Matters by Danny Gregory, The Creative License by Danny Gregory, Wreck This Journal by Keri Smith, Ed Emberly's Big (Green, Red, Orange, or Purple) Drawing books by Ed Emberly - these are also great for kids of all ages. PS. I'm passionate about this topic - can you tell?

Take Some TIme for Yourself (with some at home spa treatments) Summer is long, and it can get hectic pretty quick. Don't forget to give yourself permission to recharge, too. Read: If You Give a Mom a Martini: 100 Ways to Find 10 Blissful Minutes for Yourself by Lyss Stern and Julie Klappas

Pinch Me.

2011-05-23T11:13:00.000-07:00

I just returned from a 9 day trip to what I consider my second home - Holland. It is easy to show in pictures some of the typical Dutch things I got to enjoy on my trip. Adorable buildings, beautiful flowers, delicious cheese, Nijntje (or Miffy as she is know in the USA), and pastries so sweet they make you toes curl in sugary delight.

What's harder to show is how full my heart feels after visiting there. Meeting my two perfect nieces, Rosalie and Carmen and establishing a bond with them was such an important part of this trip. Spending time with the family that has grown to be 'mine' over the last 20 years was like a dream come true. Meeting new 'significant others' of the people I love, and seeing them in love, was wonderful. Getting to hug my friend Miss M, drink coffee and eat our traditional Tompoes together, and meeting her adorable girls was nothing short of pure bliss.

I also realized that each time I visit, I leave a part of my heart there - at least that is how it feels. In return, I also bring a fuller heart back home and for that I am so very grateful.

Going to the Midwest!

2011-05-06T11:38:00.000-07:00

My work and I are both make our Midwestern debut tomorrow! My prints and cards are finding a new home at Domestica, in Des Moines Iowa! This shop looks incredible, and I am so honored to be a part fo the action there. The communications I've had with the store's owner, Chrissy, have made me want to meet her in person someday - seriously funny, smart, and sweet.

There's a big party to celebrate Domestica's 1st birthday tomorrow, and it seems Chrissy is up to her elbows in rice crispie treats, margarita mix, and cake. If you live in Des Moines, or can get there - GO! it looks wonderful. My work will be available on their website shortly - I'll let you know when that happens. It feels huge for my work to be in the company of some of my favorites (Tad Carpenter and Sass & Peril to name just two).

For myself, I'll be flying into Minneapolis, Minnesota (en route to Amsterdam!) - and that's the closest I'll be getting to Chrissy's pink frosted rice crispy treats and margaritas. So have a margarita or two for me tomorrow at Domestica (especially you, Chrissy) - and I'll toast the Midwest from 30,000 feet int the air!

Favorite Things Friday: Canada!

2011-04-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

Last week I was lucky enough to get out of the country with three friends to Vancouver, BC. It was lovely - there were long talks and longer walks, high tea in the middle of a park, lots of winegums and Cadbury Mini-Eggs consumed, and I added another Canadian - made sweatshirt to my growing collection. I think I have a bit of a problem.

Front Page News! (Etsy Wednesday)

2011-04-13T14:21:00.000-07:00

This morning I was sitting here wracking my brain for a blog entry when one fell in my lap. My TV Thank You Cards were featured on the Etsy front page today! Totally ironic as I usually do an Etsy Wednesday feature. A big thanks to Wren Willow for putting this awesome treasury together. My cards are in great company. And Hello! to any new friends who found my blog today via Etsy.

Favorite Things Friday: Sketchbook Style (again)!

2011-04-08T15:24:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it is Friday. My kiddo was on spring break this week and we packed it full of fun (shopping, drawing, hanging out) and not so fun (dentist, vaccines, work) stuff. It went fast. I spent a large chunk of time trying to draw attractive corn stalks for an upcoming project but finally let it go, ate a donut and had a much better idea. I love when that happens. In other news, I'll be traveling to Holland in May to see my loved ones. Am I excited? Hell yes.

Cherry Blossom Time

2011-04-03T21:18:00.000-07:00

Living with a 3 year old girl, it goes without saying that there is a lot of pink in our lives - even though before she was born I swore my child would not be clothed in pink from head to toe. Right. The girl LOVES pink, and I've totally given in. This weekend we took her to see the Yoshino cherry trees on the University of Washington campus. Pink trees! Could there be anything more magical?

One of my favorite memories from art school was pulling spring time all nighters in the studio (those second story windows in the photo above) and watching the sun set and rise on the blooming cherry trees. It was so fun to see it through my kiddo's wide eyes, and to share the wonder with her.

The trees are beautiful this year, and people were out in droves - having picnics, playing instruments, taking wedding photos, lifting their babies up into the pink canopy. A totally magical afternoon.

Remembering Larry

2011-04-02T16:32:00.000-07:00

Two years ago today my friend (and friend to so many others) Larry Sommers passed away suddenly. Larry was the Health and Safety Coordinator and the Printmaking Technician at the University of Washington where I got my BFA in Printmaking. He was always there in his office in the Printmaking department - ready to answer any question, troubleshoot any problem, and most importantly have a good chat or a hearty laugh. He was extremely intelligent, politically passionate, and cared so much for the students he worked with. Did I mention he was funny? He was. I can still hear his laugh and picture that look he'd get on his face when you shocked him with some hilarious (or dirty) joke.

Larry had a way of bringing people together, through the information he shared with us as students or the warm atmosphere he created in the studio by just being there. The studio felt like a home away from home for so many of us, and a big part of that was due to Larry. We felt safe there - with him watching over us, and helping us make the art we loved without risking our heath to do it. For many of us, it was a time that was shaping such an important part of our future - the decision to be artists or to make art a part of our lives forever.

After I graduated I took a position as a Printmaking and Painting Tech at a small, private art school in our town. When I walked into a huge heath and safety disaster on my first day (for one - the school had no way of disposing their mineral spirits, had been storing them in huge barrels over the years, and hinted that I might just dump them outside behind the school) I called Larry. I was in way over my head. With his guidance I was able to organize the school's first Heath and Safety Committee that still stands today. Without his help and encouragement that would have never happened.

The last time I saw Larry I had been asked to visit a UW printmaking class and show my current portfolio of work. Part of me felt a little ashamed, because what I was showing was graphic design and illustration, not Printmaking. Larry was always excited to share with students what exactly people did with their BFA's. He kept a running list on a yellow legal pad. Each year he'd catch up with former students, add to the list and read it to the graduating class. I remember feeling filled with hope the year he read it to us. But somehow, returning as one of the people on the list I felt like I was betraying my roots. When I opened my portfolio Larry said "Wow! You can really see that you have a Printmaking background." Knowing that he could see that in my work made me beam - it meant the world to me.

He is missed.

Here is a link to the Larry Sommers Memorial Art Fellowship (currently accepting calls for submissions) at Seattle Print Arts.

Favorite Things Friday: Sketchbook Style

2011-04-01T19:11:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! Here's a new twist on my Favorite Things Friday posts - a peek into my life and sketchbook this past week and some of the many things that made me happy. The most memorable moment this week? On Tuesday I witnessed 20 preschoolers devour 150 mini pancakes in about 60 minutes. It made an impression to say the least.

The Woo-Hoo-Ha

2011-03-30T14:06:00.000-07:00

Just looking for inspiration in my sketchbooks of yore and found this. I have no idea what I was thinking about here, but it made me smile.

Etsy Wednesday #15: Green With Envy

2011-03-23T16:35:00.000-07:00

Emerald, 8X10 Art Print... thepairabirds $20.00	Mobile Idea Factory PearsonMaron $25.00	Got JUJU Print A3 UNFRA... promopocket $35.00
Ghost Stool TallyLocke $895.00	Incredible & Rare Gallu... ParisCoutureAn... $2625.00	Large Dark Wooden Amper... Hindsvik $125.00
Warm as Yellow debbo9 $300.00	Dutch Bicycle jamieshelman $30.00	Sun, Sand, Sea - 3 Piec... pomtastic $12.00
Moonlight Drive missanniemay $38.00	CITROEN CLASSIC - Memor... Grainyman $20.00	Green Apple Explosion R... KcSoapsNmore $4.50
African American woman ... heathermurraya... $42.99	Vintage 1940s Gong Bell... TheFancyLamb $56.00	Sz 6.5 Womens Laced Up... pascalvintage $39.00
Vintage yellow planter msmichiganroux $10.00

Treasury tool is sponsored by Lazzia.com A/B image testing.

I've been trying my hand at making Treasuries over on Etsy this week. Since it is Etsy Wednesday, I thought I'd try the work smarter not harder philosophy and found a great tool for placing an etsy treasury on my blog. This also resulted in a blog makeover which is a completely different and stressful story. So if things look different over here, you are right. I'm not done editing yet. Ugh.

New Print: Slow and Steady Wins the Race

2011-03-21T10:44:00.000-07:00

Slow and Steady Wins the Race $20 by Pixel & Post on etsy

I'm super happy to show you a new print! Part of my Friendly Little Reminders Series.

With this image I wanted to explore more hand - drawn textures and play around with hand lettering. I even borrowed a crayon from my kiddo's art table for the tortoise's hair and mouth (shhh- don't mention it). His shell went through about a million iterations before I hit on the one I truly loved. I'm super happy with this one and the direction it is taking things.

In case you were wondering, the salt and pepper shakers at the left are from the awesome Shoshonasnow on etsy. The mini camera on the right was my mom's - it used to have real film in it, one of my favorite possessions from childhood.

Here are some detail images:

Billy Beer

2011-03-17T16:10:00.000-07:00

I've been laid up with a bad back for two days. I hurt myself cleaning off the crusty play-doh table at my kiddo's preschool. Nothing heroic or exciting, just proof that I need more exercise and that I am getting old, my friends.

So I've had some time on my hands, laying here. Instead of watch hours of mindless and fun TV I decided to finish watching the American Experience documentary "Regan". I followed that 3 hour joy-fest with the documentary on Jimmy Carter.

In the Carter documentary they talk about his hard-drinking brother, Billy and showed a huge close up of the beer he endorsed - called Billy of course. I had an instant flashback. Back in 2005 I went to a vacation house on the Oregon coast with some pals. Stuffed in the back of a forgotten cabinet was this unopened Billy beer can. I thought the design was pretty stellar (I'm a sucker for orange and blue together) and I loved the tagline. I went rushing (in a slow, painful way) to my shelves of sketchbooks and found it.

I drew this after reading and enjoying Everyday Matters by Danny Gregory. I lovely book if you have the chance.

As for the beer, I'll stick with my snooty Northwest microbrews like the yummy Avatar Jasmine IPA I enjoyed last night with a side of ibuprofen.