3LambsStudio

DIY Heart Doily Door and Table Decor Project

2012-02-14T00:26:00.000-08:00

In honor of Valentine's Day, I thought I'd post a project to help use up all those extra holiday supplies. This simple-yet-lovely wreath is great for hanging on a door or using to decorate a table. It makes a great placemat for placing under your teapot, or under a tray of cakes and sweets at a tea party.

If you're anything like me, you have lots of these heart-shaped doilies sitting around after Valentine's Day. They get tucked away in a box, never to see the light of day until the next February 15th. Or you forget you have them and buy more (I have never done this...).

Using a glue stick or a bottle of glue, take two doilies and line them up. I lined up the bottom at the 5th scallop from the bottom, and the top at where the scallops just touched the outside border of the heart. Make sure the doily on the right is on top of the doily on the left.

Add another doily, placing it on top of the second doily, and lining it up in the same. If you line the doilies up at the same spots, they will naturally form a circle! Go around like this until the circle is complete.

Take a red (or other-colored) heart doily, and glue it in the center just at the points where it overlaps the circle.

There you have it! Let the glue dry, and then hang on a door or use as a festive, love-themed placemat.

This would also be a lovely way to decorate your wedding reception space. You could make a few circles and then lay them on every table, or group them together on a wall with marriage-themed words and phrases written on the center heart.

7 Horses of Ulicam

2012-02-03T23:51:00.000-08:00

Ulicam has woven a magical tale of 7 horses on her blog. I don't know what's more lovely - her words, or the accompanying whimsical photographs. Read all about the connection between this girl and her equines here!

The Real Mona Lisa

2012-02-02T23:57:00.001-08:00

What a difference! Too bad removing the dark varnish from the beloved Mona Lisa would ruin the painting. Underneath the dark colors, she looks more like the woman on the right. Isn't she even more beautiful? Much younger, with rosy cheeks and lips and porcelain skin.

I hope they figure out how to remove the varnish safely one day!

Quick DIY Breakfast Tray Project

2012-01-19T23:32:00.000-08:00

Thinking of making breakfast in bed for a loved one on Valentine's Day, but don't have the perfect tray? You can make your own in an afternoon, and customize it with your favorite colors and patterns.

You'll need a basic wooden tray, stain or paint, brushes, patterned paper, scissors, glue, and an old credit card or gift card.

If you don't like the finish or color of your tray, or it's scuffed up, give it a quick sanding and a wipe with a damp cloth, and then stain or paint it. I used a nice dark walnut. Let dry.

Next, find a patterned paper you like. I chose a dark purple and white passionflower - a symbol of love - pattern from a local stationery store.

To size it, I just placed it inside the tray, placing one corner of the paper in a corner of the tray, and then I used an old credit card to smooth it and crease where it met the sides. Then I removed it and cut it a few millimeters smaller than the outline. You could also trace around the bottom of the tray, and then cut it smaller (measure the thickness of the edge and subtract it).

Brush ModgePodge or another craft glue on the bottom of the tray, insert your paper carefully, and then use the credit or gift card to smooth out bubbles before the glue dries. It helps to start in the middle and push the air out to the edges.

Let the glue dry, and then apply a few coats to the top for protection. If you're planning on serving drinks, use a stronger sealant or have your local hardware store cut a piece of glass or plastic to fit.

The finished product, ready for plates of homemade French toast or pancakes, accented with a strawberry heart or two! Wash strawberries, pull the leaves off but don't cut the top, slice almost down to the top but not all the way through, and then gently push the two halves past each other so there's about 45 degrees between them to form a heart shape.

DIY Fabric Yo Yo Projects

2012-01-12T22:17:00.000-08:00

Every year, I forget how busy the shop gets during the holiday season - and how much time I need to recuperate afterwards! The time off, however, gives me the freedom to create again purely for fun.

Lately, I've been experimenting with fabric yo yos. I first encountered yo yos while perched on my parents' bed, running my fingers over the ancient yo yo quilt that adorned it. It had been lovingly hand-sewn by my great-grandmother, an immigrant to this country who had a large family and not much money. Nothing went to waste. I'd stare at the quilt for hours on rainy afternoons, wondering where each scrap of fabric had come from and what it had been before - a shirt, curtains, a dress?

I never did find out, but I remember the vivid colors of that quilt to this day. (And one day, I vow to make my own version!)

It's very easy to make yo yos. Pick a round object to trace around - a spool of ribbon, a glass, a plate - and cut circles out of the fabric of your choice. The completed yo yo will be much smaller than the stencil you use, so don't go too small. For these small ones, I used spools of ribbons and thread.

I like to use a doubled length of thread for strength, but you can use a single one if you'd like. Thread through a needle, knot the end, and then go around the outside of your circle using a running stitch. Keep your stitches even, and fairly close to the edge (about a 1/4" from it).

When you get all the way around, pull your thread tight to gather the fabric. Stitch through the nearest folds and knot to secure. Cut your thread as close as you can to the knot, and hide any ends by tucking them into the middle.

If you use cotton, your yo yo will look like this - very flat and thin and even.

If you use silk, it won't be quite so even or round on the outer edges, but it will have more free-form charm and seem a bit more rustic.

Make yo yos of various sizes, and then stitch them together to create pendants or bracelets. You can use different colored thread - like I used red here - to add a bit of contrast, or match your thread to the predominant fabric color to hide it.

Three yo yos like this would make a great bib necklace - just attach chain or ribbon on either side so you can tie it around your neck!

Yo yos also make great snowmen adornments for decorating your home in winter.

Use three different sizes, each slightly larger than the last. Make your yo yos. Now it's time to stitch on a face and other details!

I used seed beads for the eye and mouth, embroidery thread for the carrot nose, and festive red pearls for the buttons.

For hanging, attach a loop of ribbon or thread to the top of the back of his head.

Yo yos also make lovely flower rings. I used silk for these, in yellow and scarlet.

I made a leaf out of a triangle of velvet - use a running stitch across the longest side, and pull tight to gather. Knot, and trim the ends.

Attach the leaf using fabric glue, and then use jeweler's epoxy or another strong glue to attach the flower to the ring base.

These would make great gifts for your friends for Valentine's Day, or for bridesmaids!

DIY Ceramic Goods with Pebeo Porcelaine

2011-12-14T23:18:00.001-08:00

I discovered Pebeo Porcelaine paints about a year ago, and since then I've discovered so many easy, impressive uses for them!

They come in two versions - pens, and paint pots. The pens you can just use as is, but for the pots you'll need a brush or two. I only have the colors shown above so far, but they are available in every hue! You can also mix colors to get just the shade you want.

I originally bought these to play around with making pendants. The paints are for ceramic surfaces, so make sure you only use unglazed materials.

You just apply the paint, let it dry for 24 hours, and then either apply another color on top, or bake them in a conventional oven. If you use another color, make sure you DON'T bake in-between or the second color will not stick - I learned this the hard way!

You can paint on initials and other details like the pendants shown in previous photos, or you can keep it simple-but-still-classy with single-colored ones like these. String several on the same cord or chain for a boho, breezy look.

You can also use the paints on other surfaces to give them a ceramic finish. Here I thoroughly washed and dried scallop shells and then applied various colors to only the inner surface. I then baked them according to the directions.

They make great trinket or jewelry dishes! Match the colors to your decor while preserving the memories of your trip to the beach with your favorite people.

Here I glazed the outside of the shell instead. I'm going to drill holes in the tops of these and use them as earrings or pendants.

Same thing here - I used a mussel shell and did just the outside.

I've had some old skeleton keys sitting around, but they seemed too plain to turn into pendants as is. So, I dipped them in the white paint and then hung them over a pan to drip dry. Very vintage-meets-mod! This will look great hanging from some dark, thin leather cording - use an 18" length so it has some movement and a more modern look.

I hope these ideas spark some of your own! The paints are so versatile. Let me know what you come up with!

Fresh=Picked Mistletoe

2011-11-30T23:31:00.001-08:00

Just in time for the holidays, fresh-picked mistletoe! Dilly Brand's store sells mistletoe harvested only hours before. I've actually never seen sprigs of this with the berries still on - they're so pearly and lovely.

If you have small children or animals, however, I'd advise removing them as they're poisonous. You can wire on faux pearls, white poms poms, or tiny silver ornaments instead to replace them.

See more from Dilly Brand's shop here.

Holiday Paper Flowers for Sephora

2011-11-28T23:51:00.000-08:00

These white gardenias, poinsettias, holly leaves, and snowflakes created by Antlre Inc. for installation in Sephora stores are seriously inspiring me this holiday season!

I'm itching to create my own poinsettias, mistletoe balls, and icicles out of white or iridiscent paper and deck the halls (and every other surface) with them.

See more from their install here.

How are you decorating for the holidays?

DIY Silver Spool Knit Necklace

2011-11-22T22:52:00.001-08:00

I discovered spool knitting last year, and I've become addicted to it! It may look complicated initially, but it's actually really simple to create the knitted hollow tube once you get the hang of it and the end results look elegant and modern.

I made the flapper necklace shown above by spool knitting, and I'll show you how to make your own necklace below!

For tools, you'll need an old wooden spool, a crochet hook, 5 tacks or nails, and string. I used thick vintage silver metallic thread. If you can't find an old wooden spool, they do sell newer plastic contraptions that you can spool knit on.

Try to evenly space the tacks around the hole in the middle, and hammer them down about 1/3 to 1/2 of their length. Don't worry about it being perfect - you can see my spacing is just a little bit off, but the necklace still turned out well!

Take the end of your thread, and feed it down the hole from top to bottom.

Working counterclockwise around the hole, loop the string at the top of the hole clockwise around each tack/nail. Your string's tail should still be sticking out of the bottom of your spool.

Go around one more time, counterclockwise around the hole but clockwise around the pegs.

Now take the end of your string that's hanging out of the bottom of your spool, and hook it around your pinky. Then feed it back up the hole from bottom to top.

Hook the tail under the two rounds and then over them. Feed the tail back down the hole again from top to bottom. Remove your pinky when the tube is longer (hanging out the bottom) and pull the end so that the loop over the rounds is tight. This locks the thread around the bottom of the knitted tube so that pulling the tube down as you go along to make room for new rounds is easier.

To knit, use the crochet hook to pull the bottom loop on each peg over the top loop and off the nail. Go around each peg (5 total). Then loop your string around again, counterclockwise around the hole and clockwise around each peg.

Repeat until your tube is the length you would like! It really is that easy.

Here's what the tube looks like when it comes out the bottom of the spool. When your tube is the desired length, cut the silver thread you've been looping around, leaving a generous tail (6"). Leave only one round of loops on the nail. Thread the tail through one loop, and then pull the loop off the nail. Do this with all remaining 4 loops, and then pull the tail tight to finish! You may pull it through the last loop again and knot it at this point, just to be extra-secure.

I decided to make my knitted tube about 75 inches long, so I could comfortably loop it around my neck three times. I tied the tails of the ends together, and trimmed them so they wouldn't show to make one big loop. You can cut the tails to 1/4" to 1/2" if you like and weave them in with the crochet hook to hide them.

You can also knit three shorter tubes of the same length, and then braid them together to make a bracelet. Here, I mixed two silver tubes with one gold one. I think metallic accessories are perfect for the holidays - they go perfectly with red and green, and gleam against the soft whites of freshly-fallen snow and candlelight!

To create the flapper-style necklace shown in the first photo with your tube, loop the tube around your neck twice. Pull on the bottom loop so that the top loop is close to your neck (as you can see in the photo) and the bottom loop hangs very low over your stomach. Take the bottom loop, and treating it like one big piece of string, tie it into a knot. Gently adjust so that the knot is where you want it to be along the tube, and then tighten the knot.

You can vary this project in lots of different ways, however - larger spools, smaller ones, yarn instead of silver thread, and colored thread instead of silver! You could even spool knit with leather cord instead of string. Use whatever you have, or just whatever you like!

Life Magazine's Penguins Around the World

2011-11-21T20:17:00.000-08:00

Life Magazine has wonderful slideshows on their website featuring the kinds of photos they're known for - memorable photos that put a smile on your face and become instant favorites.

These are from their "Penguins Around the World" slideshow. It combines modern photos like the last one shown above with vintage snaps like the black and white ones I've selected.

I can't tell which I like the best - I love old photos but the vibrant shades in the color ones shown just jump right out at you. I love the mossy green on the mountainside, and the bright red pop of the penguin's Santa suit. Which do you like the best?

See more of Life Magazine's amazing photos here.

Tees for Tots by Verkligheten

2011-11-18T23:21:00.000-08:00

These t-shirts from Karin Soderquist's Verkligheten store on Etsy are so colorful and cute! The zebra, lemur, and magpie illustrations are simple, yet full of personality and playfulness. They make me wish they came in adult sizes, too!

See more of Karin's illustrations - including her adorable unicycling bear ornaments - here.

DIY Photo-Topped Box

2011-11-15T22:46:00.001-08:00

I had this round box just sitting around in my basement, taking up space. I wasn't crazy about the lighthouse scene on the top, but I wasn't sure what to recover it with. While looking through Martha Stewart one day, I saw a candy box she'd made with a photo top and it sparked an idea.

First I repainted the bottom and the sides of the top in a lovely pale green. It's one of my favorite colors, and reminds me of the green sea grasses blowing the salty air.

Since the box held sand dollars collected one sunny summer day, I decided to top the box with a black and white photo of the beloved beach they'd come from. We still fondly call that morning "The Day of the Sand Dollars" - we'd find one sticking out of the sand, pull it out, and then find many more in the same spot. I think we each found 12 - 15 each that day...and we've never found that many since, no matter how many times we've looked!

I printed the photo a bit larger than the top, let the ink dry, and then centered the top over the photo as a guide and traced around it with a pencil. I carefully cut it out and applied it to the top with Modge Podge. I then applied a few more coats of Modge Podge to the top as a sealant.

If the photo hangs over the edges a bit, you can fix it after the top coat has dried. Just flip the top over and cut off the extra with a sharp X-Acto knife or boxcutter.

Boxes like these make great keepsake gifts. You could use a portrait of you & your spouse, your family, or a photo that reminds you of a special day like I did! Color photos work as well, I just like the way the grey tones pop against the more colorful bottom.

For a holiday twist, add snowflake pictures to the top and make the bottom a bright blue or red!

New Prints in the Shop

2011-11-10T23:20:00.000-08:00

I've been hard at work stocking the store with brand-new prints in time for the holiday season. I've already added the pieces above, and more are coming every week. It's exciting to finally get ideas out of my head and out on paper.

Oh, and more Audrey prints are coming as well. Those are always very popular! There's also free domestic shipping and discounted international shipping in my shop until November 24.

What do you think of the new prints? What types of prints would you like to see more of in my shop?

Other things coming in the next month:

*more prints - and maybe some brand-new products!

*diy projects that will make great holiday gifts

*a great sale from Black Friday through Cyber Monday

*me getting way too excited about a few snowflakes

That last one doesn't help you in any way, but it's very true - my apologies in advance!

Quilts from Haptic Lab

2011-10-31T22:52:00.001-07:00

I was completely in awe of these unique quilts from Haptic Lab when I saw them on Fab.com last week. While I love traditional quilts and their ancient, intricate block patterns, it's fun to see a more modern and playful take on the craft.

Haptic Lab incorporates street maps into all their pieces, including their baby versions, and most of them come with alternate color choices and can be personalized.

Some of my favorites are (from top to bottom) their Central Park baby quilt, their brown-on-white London king size quilt, and their Boston baby quilt.

See more of their inventive goods here!

Curly Purly Pumpkin Pattern

2011-10-28T14:17:00.001-07:00

How cute is this knit pumpkin from Curly Purly? It's perfect for Halloween, and seems to knit up very quickly. All you need are double pointed needles, yarn, and something to stuff in the middle!

Get the free pattern and spin-off ideas from Curly Purly here.

Fall Clutches

2011-10-26T15:06:00.001-07:00

When fall rolls around, you can often find me wandering the back lanes with a camera in my hand, photographing every bright blaze of autumn branches. I can never get enough of the flaming orange, red, and golden colors on the trees!

I like a classic, old-fashioned film camera for these shots, but lugging around a heavy camera and lenses as well as a heavy purse can strain my shoulders. Clutches are the perfect solution - you can use the strap (if they have one) or easily add your own, or you can just tuck it into a pocket while you're shooting.

Here are some of my favorite clutches from Etsy, found in the shops of Davie and Chiyo, Babbs Boutique, SolaWu, and Ao3Designs.

What's your favorite type of purse for autumn? Do you like to switch to tweed and houndstooth, or darker colors? I'd love to know!

Herb and Vegetable Prints by Claudia G. Pearson

2011-10-17T23:23:00.000-07:00

It's still harvest time, and these colorful, garden-themed prints by Claudia G. Pearson definitely do justice to the abundance of autumn herbs and vegetables. See more of her lovely prints here!

I can't wait to roast winter squashes like the ones above, and turn them into ginger-scented tea breads and savory soups. What are you looking forward to this fall?

Tea Towels and Aprons from JiltyDrawings

2011-10-12T23:34:00.000-07:00

I miss living in London every day, so these playful and fun tea towels and aprons from Jilty Drawings would definitely make me feel like I was back in the UK!

They're based on popular British cakes and "biscuits" (that's cookies, if you're American), as well as English nursery rhymes. Have you ever heard, "Oranges and lemons ring the bells of St. Clemen's"? The end of the rhyme is a bit, well, gruesome to say the least but the other stanzas charmingly describe the different sounds of the church bells around London.

See more from Jilty Drawings' Etsy shop here!

Real Dried Flower and Plant Prints by Flat Flower Cards

2011-10-05T21:06:00.000-07:00

These real dried flower and plant prints by Flat Flower Cards are a great way to preserve the bright colors of late summer's flora and fauna and bring their freshness indoors year-round.

From top to bottom, the prints display green wood ferns, multi-toned Chinese tallow leaves, and exotic purple passionflower blossoms and vines.

See more in their Etsy shop here!

Summer and Winter Fruit Prints

2011-09-27T23:04:00.000-07:00

These summer and winter fruit prints from Claire Nereim will cheer up any room with their bright color schemes and teach you what types of juicy produce are available during each season!

See more from her Etsy shop here.

Pop Chart Lab Prints

2011-09-13T22:21:00.000-07:00

Pop Chart Lab out of Brooklyn, NY is known for their playful, pop culture, chart-based pieces. They catalog and organize whatever catches their fancy, from haircuts to varieties of beer to culinary tools (and many more - including rap names!).

Check out more of their whimsical prints and tees here!

City-Themed Posters by Anderson Design Group

2011-09-08T18:30:00.000-07:00

These city-themed posters by Anderson Design Group are so iconic and fun! They do a wonderful job of depicting the memorable characteristics of each metropolis, and the clean shapes and style remind me of WPA and vintage posters.

The silhouette of the couple in the boat in the last print is one of those genius details that makes you wish you'd thought of it yourself. The girl leaning back while the guy steers is right out of "The Notebook", don't you think?

See more posters from Anderson Design Group here!

Vivid Flower and Vegetable Paintings by Elisabeth Kruger

2011-08-31T10:26:00.001-07:00

Elisabeth Kruger's flower and vegetable paintings are so life-like that it's hard to believe they're not photographs, isn't it? The petals and leaves have so much detail that they just pop off the canvas.

See more of her amazingly detailed paintings here!

Herb Chart by Amy Borrell

2011-08-30T20:38:00.000-07:00

I came across this colorful, charming print by Amy Borrell today and it seemed perfect for this time of year! As the garden is full of ready-to-be-picked produce, the kitchen is currently strewn with bundles and bundles of herbs from the back garden hanging up to dry.

See more her smile-inducing illustrations here!

Wildflower Paintings by Cool Ranch Studio

2011-08-25T22:44:00.000-07:00

Caroline Saganich uses such vivid colors in her "Wildflower" series paintings, on reclaimed cedar wood. She accents rich green and blue tones with splashes of metallic gold paint, as well as engraved and drilled details. I can see grouping two or three of these little masterpieces on a wall together, or on a mantel.

See more of her whimsical pieces here.

Gold-Plated Feather Pendants by Marge Hinge

2011-08-22T22:54:00.001-07:00

Mid-August was made for basking in the waning warm, golden-glowed haze of summer by the light of day and for savoring the first cool, autumn-esque breezes by the dark velvet of night.

I've been taking some time off from the store and blog to do just that. I hope you caught the Perseid showers last week, in spite of the full moon! We watched a few spectacular meteors blaze down towards the horizon, past the flickering stars. Such marvels of nature put things in perspective. It's nice to feel small in the grand scheme of things sometimes, don't you think?

Back on the inspiration front, I'm completely in awe of these pendants by Marge Hinge. She's found a way to electroplate only the ends of natural feathers, combining the hardness of metallic edges with the softness of the vanes. I love the intense green and blue tones against the gold as well.

See more from Marge's Etsy store here!

The Highwayman Annual by Jacob Stead

2011-08-12T20:27:00.001-07:00

Jacob Stead created this whimsical book about highwayman, Elizabethan England's famous fearless thieves who roamed the roads and set upon coaches and travelers.

The limited edition book is filled with his witty, colorful illustrations as well as masks and paper dolls that you can cut out and play with.

Though this annual would make a great gift for an imaginative young boy, I plan on getting one to use as an out-of-the-ordinary and unpretentious coffee table book.

Read more details about Jacob's book here!

Beautiful, Elaborate Vintage Book Covers

2011-08-11T00:22:00.000-07:00

The New York Society Library has graciously archived decorative vintage and antique book covers, and made them available online. The fronts are so detailed, with raised areas and gilding and lots of colors.

No matter how popular devices like the Nook and iPad get, there's something to be said for the nubby feel of an old fabric binding, the heft of the tome in your hand, the wonderful smell of a beloved old book. They say that lignin is very similar to vanillin, which is why the scent is so alluring. Whether or not that's true, I'm so glad someone's preserving the beauty of vintage texts!

Farmers Markets

2011-08-04T23:23:00.000-07:00

What's that saying - "everything hits at once"? I've certainly been feeling that this past month. So I've been retreating. And I've been very quiet. I don't talk much when I'm processing a lot of bad news at once.

I've been getting back to the simple things. The cardinal that sings all morning in the backyard as he sits in the forsythia. The little wasp that cleans himself as he hides from the hot midday sun under the parsley. The bumblebee that happily buzzes among the tomato flowers.

Another favorite respite is the local farmer's market. Early August is a wonderful month for the harvest. My favorite yellow Shiro plums arrive, and crisp, juicy Sugar Baby watermelons appear. Zinnias are everywhere - I can never get enough of their papery, sometimes even velvety petals.

How do you recharge?

Color Photos of London During the Blitz

2011-07-21T11:33:00.000-07:00

These never-before-seen color images of the damage caused by the Blitz in London have been released in honor of the 70th anniversary of V-Day in Britain.

It's incredible to see the aftermath of the bombings - it's amazing how one building could be completely destroyed but the one next to it could be untouched. What a scary time for London's citizens!

Thankfully, the city has since been rebuilt (although you can still see shell marks on many buildings that survived).

Quick Summer Seashell Ring Tutorial

2011-07-20T22:37:00.000-07:00

This silvered shell ring is so easy to diy, you'll be able to whip one up in time for a sunny daytrip or night out whenever you need something new to wear!

You'll need the following (see below for pictures): a ring blank, a seashell of your choice - make sure it's a few millimeters smaller in diameter than your blank, jeweler's glue or epoxy - I use E6000, and Rub 'N Buff in Silver Leaf.

Take your shell, and apply a good amount of glue/epoxy to the bottom. Place it firmly inside your ring blank, and allow it to dry thoroughly (see directions on the tube for approximate times).

Once it's dry, take your Rub 'N Buff and apply liberally using a brush (or your fingers... I tend to use the latter to ensure I get it into every crevice). The Rub 'N Buff shade shown here is liquid silver leaf - so much easier to apply than the extremely fragile leaf sheets! Plus, you don't need a special glue. It will stick to your seashell all on its own. It also comes in a crazy amount of colors - gold leaf in various shades, silvers, pearlescent colors, a vibrant red, and many more.

Allow to dry, then buff off with a rag or paper towel until no more extra silver comes off. That's it! You can wear and enjoy your ring as soon as the silver is dry.

Experiment with different size blanks and shells, or different colors (gold leaf on faux gold, rose gold on silver, pearlescent blue on silver). There are so many different combinations you can play around with to make a ring that's uniquely you.

DIY Lichen Pendant Necklace

2011-07-15T13:00:00.000-07:00

In this quick & easy tutorial, I'll show you how to create a woodsy, nature-y pendant that's a perfect statement necklace piece for the summer!

First, take a walk around your neighborhood or woods to find a lichen that you like (no pun intended). You want a piece still attached to bark or some other sturdy material, as the lichen would be too flimsy and fragile on its own.

I found this piece on our sidewalk after a particularly blustery storm. I think it got knocked off our pine tree by the wind (or by a squirrel skittering up and down the trunk).

Make sure that the lichen you pick has fallen off naturally, either from the wind or from its tree being felled.

Please do not pry off a lichen from a living tree! Lichens take years to grow into the size shown, and do not grow back quickly or easily.

Coat your lichen with a layer of craft glue so that it's less likely to break when it hits something. I used Modge Podge but you could also use Tacky Glue or some type of jeweler's medium. You could even use resin, if you have experience working with it.

Use a brush to get into all the cracks and crevices. Let one side completely dry before you flip it over and do the other side. Working on a piece of waxed paper helps prevent the lichen from sticking as you coat it and as it dries.

I removed a piece of the plain bark, so that my pendant would be a more pleasing shape (and mostly lichen). Then I pierced a hole using a large needle, and used needle-nose pliers to make a bail out of wire.

If you have large jump rings, you could use pliers to attach one instead of using wire. Whatever you use, don't make your hole too close to the edge! Otherwise, the hole will eventually tear from use and the pendant will fall off.

String with a chain of your choosing, and wear your new creation! I used bright gold chain to play off the blue and green hues in the lichen, but an antique bronze or gold shade would work nicely as well.

Harry Potter: Deathly Hallows II

2011-07-14T23:31:00.001-07:00

In honor of the last Harry Potter movie coming out on Friday here in the US, I thought I'd share these great posters from Caroline Hadilaksono with you!

From top to bottom, she's colorfully and whimsically illustrated scenes from the Hogwarts Express, the Quidditch World Cup, and Hogwarts Castle as night.

Are you going to see Deathly Hallows II this weekend, or do you wait until the crowds calm down and go another day instead? (I tend to do the latter...)

Fourth of July Fireworks in Boston

2011-07-08T13:55:00.000-07:00

I know it's been quite awhile since I've blogged. The truth is, I've been making and photographing lots of diy projects for you guys that I'll be posting over the next few weeks!

In the meantime, as promised on my Twitter page, here are some photos from the Boston Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza (that's really what it's called!).

I hope you had an enjoyable long weekend and got to bbq and watch fireworks as well!

London Neighborhood Prints by Little Gonzales

2011-06-15T21:42:00.000-07:00

These London neighborhood prints by Little Gonzales, featuring the sights of the city's various areas, are so wonderful! He mixes witty phrases with classic British icons, all in bright colors.

I think the little bird above "Hampstead Heath" is my favorite detail. So clever and whimsical! See more of Little Gonzales' work here.

Peony "Ice Cream" Cone Vase Tutorial, Part II

2011-06-14T22:30:00.000-07:00

While looking through wedding ceremony flower photos, I had an epiphany. The same ribbon-wrapped technique used to attach paper cones of flowers to chairs could be used to display ice cream cone vases full of peonies as diy'ed in this tutorial.

Choose ribbon in whatever width and color you like. (Although I wouldn't go wider than 4 - 5 mm, or you'll have trouble getting it to lay flat against the cone.)

Wrap it around the bottom, crossing it once behind and once more again in front. Then wrap it up towards the top so the two ends hit right across from each other. This will keep the cone balanced once it's filled with flowers. Add small pieces of tape to hold it in place.

Get your glue ready. You can use hot glue (be careful!), Elmer's, Tacky - whatever you like. Peel back the ribbon and put glue on the underside. Put the ribbon back where it was and press down so it stays.

For the areas where you can't unwrap it (like the crossed areas), simply put some glue over the spot and rub it into the ribbon. This will help it soak through and attach the fabric to the cone.

Let dry, then fill with a lovely peony! Hang from the back of a chair, a bench, or cabinet knob to display.

Peony cones also look great on doors and stair posts!

Necklaces from Magpie and Rye

2011-06-09T21:47:00.000-07:00

Well, the 90+ degree weather we've been having in Boston confirms it: summer is here!

During the season of heat and humidity, I tend to live in mix-and-match basic color tops, tanks, and skirts. Either the "Midas" or "16 Arrows" necklaces shown above from Magpie & Rye would be perfect for adding personality and interest to my otherwise simple look.

See more lovely necklaces and other pieces from this store here!

Kate's Wedding Bouquet

2011-06-02T23:05:00.001-07:00

Inspired by loveliness of the Royal Wedding as well as by the ever-graceful Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, I sketched the individual blooms from her bouquet. Then I inked them over in black, and added color with pencils.

Clockwise from the top right, the flowers pictured are dianthus (also called Sweet William), myrtle, ivy, hyacinth, and lily-of-the-valley.

What's inspired you to sketch lately?

Peony "Ice Cream" Cone Bouquet Tutorial

2011-06-01T10:49:00.000-07:00

While gazing at a bouquet of enchantingly ruffled, frilly peonies last week, I thought to myself how very much they looked like scoops of ice cream. (I love how this one even has a darker pink "cherry" in the center.) Why not take the resemblance even further by displaying them in sugar cone vases? And so an idea was hatched!

It's actually quite easy to turn a cone of your choosing - could be sugar, could be waffle, could be just plain wafer - into a vase. You could also substitute paper ice cream cups or even cupcake liners!

Here's the tutorial:

You'll need a stack of ice cream cones, one per stem.

And peonies! You can use them at any stage of bloom. They're more rounded before they open (and look just like a ball), but if you use ones that have opened more you get a ruffled, slightly-messily-scooped look. It's a bit more free-form.

Take a small plastic bag, open it, and push it down into the cone. A pen or pencil is perfect for this. Using a pair of sharp scissors, trim just below the top rim of the cone. The bag will have folds - don't worry about this!

Use tape that's been doubled over (or use the double sided kind) to attach the top outside edge of the bag to the inside of the cone. Two or three pieces should do it! Press the bag's folds against the sides so that you have room to pour water in. (You can tape them flat if you would like - I just left them as is.)

Fill the bag about halfway with water, making sure you only get it in the middle -not inside a fold.

Cut the peony's stem at a 45 degree angle. This maximizes water absorption! Take enough off the length so that the flower sits on top of the cone, but make sure the stem isn't sitting right on the bottom (or it won't be able to drink in water). About one-quarter to a half-inch above the bottom works the best.

Make sure you don't go too short either. I mistakenly did so (leaving about a two-inch stem), and the top-heavy bloom kept falling out of the cone. Longer is better!

If you really want to get fancy and go for a Victorian or Edwardian look, display the cones in a bowl lined with antique lace on a colorful tablecloth, and scatter extra peony petals around the base.

For a more modern and clean look, choose a martini (or other cocktail) glass instead. Wine glasses would work as well. Place two ice cream peony cones inside, on opposite sides for a simple and elegant centerpiece. These peonies would be perfect for a brunch, shower, dinner party, grown-up ice cream sundae night, or just a birthday fete!

Photographs by Darren Samuelson

2011-05-18T21:39:00.001-07:00

Darren Samuelson is the gifted photographer behind these misty, magical snaps of San Francisco. From top to bottom, they feature the city in the early morning, Alcatraz, and Land's End.

An afficionado of old film cameras, Darren recently created his own ultra-large format version that takes pictures on 14" x 36" xray film.

See more of his photos, including his new xray ones, here.

Weedrobes

2011-05-16T23:37:00.000-07:00

Canadian environmental artist Nicole Dextras created these "Weedrobe" pieces from everything from invasive species to plants from her own garden. The garments are worn out by models in order to "engage the public", and the clothes are later left outside to decompose naturally.

Though they're beautiful works of art, they have a larger purpose:
"The Weedrobes philosophy is based on being a free thinker, creating one's own sense of style while also raising awareness about the impact of industry on our eco-system. Our most effective tool for change is for consumers to demand more equitable products. It may be impractical to wear clothing made with leaves, but our future depends on the creation of garments made from sustainable resources."

Read and see more here!

Timorous Beasties

2011-05-13T21:33:00.000-07:00

Timorous Beasties, a Glaswegian design firm, has wonderful and modern toile wallpapers. The London version above is my favorite, but all of their wall coverings are lovely.

See more here!

Pink Peonies

2011-05-12T11:24:00.000-07:00

A bloom from the vase that's currently sitting on my dresser, bringing a huge smile to my face every morning as I awake.

Peonies might just be my favorite May flower, at least when it comes to cut ones. (I can't forget about the frilly, ruffled cherry blossoms outside - wouldn't want to hurt their feelings, clearly!)

Farmers' Markets Time!

2011-05-06T21:59:00.000-07:00

With summer just around the corner, it's almost time for the local Farmers' Markets to reopen.

I can't wait to stroll from booth to booth again, admiring the high piles of deep purple eggplants, bright red tomatoes, and green-veined lettuces. I guess these posters from YeeHaw, Starshaped Press, and Quail Lane Press will have to tide me over until they've opened again!

The First Cherry Blossoms of May

2011-05-03T22:30:00.000-07:00

Every year, I anxiously await the blooming of the old cherry tree outside my window. When it finally blossoms, it's a pale pink explosion of delicate, ruffled petals that sway and dance in the breeze.

The arching branches curve right over the sidewalk, and passersby stop to admire its beauty and pluck a flower or two. I've even seen speeding cars pause and the people inside roll down their windows to get a better look! It's quite a sight to behold.

If only the blooms lasted all spring!

Vintage Celestial Maps

2011-04-28T10:58:00.001-07:00

These lovely old star maps from the Smithsonian Institution's collections really make the constellations come to life! I've always wanted to put a set of these on a wall in a living room or hallway. They would look wonderful all lined up in a row or a square!

See them larger here.

Ranunculus Season

2011-04-27T17:46:00.000-07:00

It's ranunculus season! They look like miniature roses, but the petals almost have little ridges on the edges and they have little nubs in the center.

You can find them in various shades of red, orange, pink, and yellow but the white ones are my favorite! They add this bright freshness to a room - I glance at this lovely bouquet every time I pass through the kitchen.

Book Sculptures by Su Blackwell

2011-04-21T21:39:00.001-07:00

These intricate book sculptures by Su Blackwell are like something out of a fairytale! They're made out of old books, carefully cut up and rearranged.

She best describes the themes herself, in her profile on her website:

"For the cut-out illustrations, I tend to lean towards young-girl characters, placing them in haunting, fragile settings, expressing the vulnerability of childhood, while also conveying a sense of childhood anxiety and wonder. There is a quiet melancholy in the work, depicted in the material used, and choice of subtle colour."

See more of her lovely cut-outs here!

Rooms With a View

2011-04-11T21:44:00.001-07:00

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is currently displaying a special exhibition titled "Rooms with a View: the Open Window in the 19th Century".

If you can't get to the museum in person, you can view the delightful paintings (including the ones shown above) online here!

The Cows Came Home

2011-04-09T21:23:00.000-07:00

Seeing this "The Cows Came Home" painting by Elizabeth Pollie reminded me that the farmers' markets will be starting up again here in about a month. I can't wait to come home with a (reusable, have to be green at the market!) shopping bag full of bright spring greens tucked under my arm.

If I'm lucky, there'll be tiny, bright red wild strawberries in wooden punnet baskets that will be perfect for breakfast the next day. (If they last that long...)

Animal Prints by Zara Illustrates

2011-04-07T23:05:00.001-07:00

These "Country Badger" and "City Fox" prints by UK-based Zara Illustrates have had me smiling all day! I think they'd work wonderfully with taupes, browns, and tweeds in a living or dining room. They'd add a wonderful touch of humor and lightness, and would be great in combination with pops of blue, orange, or red.

See more of Zara Illustrates' work here!

Bright Pink Rhubarb

2011-03-31T22:58:00.000-07:00

I contemplated opening this with a "crickets" reference, but instead I'll just apologize right off the bat for the lack of posting. An unfortunate early-spring cold has me reeling, and I've spent too many hours in bed or on the couch.

About all I've been able to muster in the kitchen is this delightfully bright pink rhubarb conserve. It's as simple as it gets, and a lovely harbinger of spring. Just dice rhubarb stalks, put in a pot with the juice of half a lemon and sugar to taste (start with 1/4 c.), and simmer until the rhubarb breaks down into little strings.

Let it cool, and then try not to stand over it with a spoon, devouring the entire batch of sweet-yet-still-tart, lemon-tinged deliciousness. If you manage to do this, it's wonderful spread on toast the next day or stirred into vanilla yogurt or ice cream.

Lasting Spring Flowers

2011-03-15T11:51:00.000-07:00

What a clever way to display and preserve flowers! Anastasiya of Good Things on Etsy encases the delicate, dried beauties in resin and transforms them into wearable pieces of art. I think the setaria (top) is my favorite - it's so feathery and delicate, and really pops against the blue background! The Queen Anne's lace heart and forget me not pieces, however, are wonderful as well.

See more of Good Things' jewelry here!

Subway Cars...Underwater

2011-03-10T12:29:00.000-08:00

First thought upon seeing this: "Oh no, the dolphins!" (Okay, maybe that's slightly exaggerated...I was mostly perplexed as to how this is legal.)

Then I read the accompanying article, and all was made clear: these subway cars are getting second lives as artificial reefs along the Atlantic shore.

Unlike us humans, the fish/corals/assorted sea creatures will never have to experience late or disabled trains, smelly passengers, and sticky seats. Lucky them!

Photos from How to Be a Retronaut

2011-03-08T13:20:00.000-08:00

How to Be a Retronaut features a varied and wide-ranging selection of color and black & white vintage photographs and videos from around the world (although many are from the United Kingdom).

These autochromes of Peace Day in 1919, King Edward VII (one of the last photos taken before his death), and the Pool of London especially caught my eye. It's fun to compare places and clothing styles I've seen in person with how they used to be. (I have to say, thankfully the Thames is a lot cleaner now!)

See more old photos here.

London Mugs by Our Shop

2011-03-04T00:06:00.000-08:00

I'm completely enamored of these mugs by Our Shop. They remind me of my time in London, and make me yearn to go back!

In Honor of March 1st...

2011-03-01T20:34:00.000-08:00

White rabbit, white rabbit, white rabbit! (If you're just as confused as I am about this tradition, see this helpful explanation.)

March certainly came in like a lion today (the sidewalks look like skating rinks), so let's hope it goes out like a lamb and the bulbs begin to bloom again!

(White rabbit photo via here.)

By the Light of the Moon

2011-02-25T22:46:00.000-08:00

I'm loving these farm-themed paintings by Joseph Alleman. The top one practically glows with moonlight, and the bottom one features so many shades of lush green grass!

See more of Alleman's work here!

DIY Birch Bark Necklaces

2011-02-23T22:34:00.000-08:00

If you've ever taken a walk through the woods, you've probably seen stands of white birches with their distinctive, papery bark. The material is great for lightweight, unique pendants that you can easily make yourself.

Please don't strip a live tree, however! Look for branches that have fallen (or been pruned) off instead. If they've been exposed to the elements for a few months, the wood inside will have started to rot and it'll be very easy to slide the bark off in one piece.

Try to find a piece that has lots of interesting details - curved knots, dark and rough patches, neat striations and lines. These imperfections are perfect for creating one-of-a-kind pendants!

Here are some of the different shapes you can cut out. Geometric shapes like triangles and half-circles work well, but asymmetrical ones look great too. You can see that I cut some fringe into the piece on the bottom left to add even more detail. Do whatever you like!

Use an awl or thick sewing needle to pierce holes near the top on either side. Don't force it through too quickly, or you might rip through the bark. Twisting the needle or moving it back it forth as you push it through works best. Attach jump rings using needle-nose pliers, and attach whatever type of chain you like (not shown).

The finished product! You could also use two pieces, keeping one as the bottom pendant and attaching a smaller one further up on the left or right side as an accent piece.

Try not to get your necklace wet, or the bark may brown from the tannins in the bottom layers. For this reason, I wouldn't recommend glazing it with ModPodge or something similar either. It should be pretty strong and sturdy as is, as long as you're not too rough with it!

Paintings by Kathy Weber

2011-02-16T22:17:00.001-08:00

I recently discovered the talented Kathy Weber, and now I can't get enough of her wonderful flower- and nature-themed paintings! I like her bold brushstrokes - they still have a lovely softness to them.

From top to bottom, these three are titled "Fields in Flower", "Wickford", and "The Rose Arbor".

See more of her work here!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T22:42:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! I hope you spend it with someone you hold dear, whether it's a friend, family member, or significant other.

Clever Illustrations by Hisss

2011-02-10T23:50:00.000-08:00

Philadelphia-based artist Hisss creates clever, sure to make you smile, play-on-words pieces featuring animals in various poses. From top to bottom, the prints are named "Raccoon Mask", "Cariboo", and "Candy Crane".

See more animal-themed prints here!

Paintings by Becca Stadtlander

2011-02-08T20:25:00.000-08:00

Becca Stadtlander is the talented artist behind these whimsical and charming gouache paintings. She uses such great color combinations, and adds unexpected but interesting line details to her pieces.

See more of her work here!

Everything's Coming Up Roses

2011-02-04T23:41:00.001-08:00

How lovely is this Rose Cake from I Am Baker? It'd be perfect for Valentine's Day. (Then again, cake is perfect for any day, right?)

I really like white and green together, so I think I'd go one step further and pipe tiny bright green leaves in among the petals. You could also accent the flower centers with small silver balls or edible glitter.

Get the easy tutorial here!

The Marvelous, Handpainted Vintage Photo Album of Madame B

2011-02-01T12:27:00.000-08:00

These charming, hand-painted album pages are the work of the formerly mysterious Madame B. The collection is currently on display at The Art Institute of Chicago, who deduced the unknown artist's identity based on the initial on the first page and information from the photographs:

"All of the evidence, including photographs, portraits, and writing, seems to indicate that B refers to Marie-Blanche-Hennelle Fournier, known as Blanche (1831–1906), the second wife of the diplomat Hugues-Marie-Henri Fournier (1821–1898). A career diplomat from a young age, Fournier was posted in Stockholm from 1862 to 1872, the period from which many of the album’s Swedish photographs date. He was later stationed in Rome, and the pages toward the end of the album feature pictures of Italian rulers and sites. Fournier eventually settled down in France, where this remarkable album found its way to a Tours bookseller and, ultimately, to the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago."

See more of her lovely, detailed pages here!

DIY Beaded Applique Headband

2011-01-28T20:04:00.001-08:00

Sequined and beaded headbands and fascinators are everywhere these days, but why buy one when you can make your own in just five minutes? Plus, diy-ing it allows you to find the perfect applique for your outfit or evening - no need to merely pick the best of what you see in the store.

First, you'll need an applique. You could also use a feather pad, but I wanted something glittery and shiny for winter parties. Silver and white just go so well with the snowy surroundings!

I found these lovely silver pieces, along with the white-toned one shown in the first photo, at Sequin Appliques. You can also check local craft and fabric stores, but Sequin has an amazing selection (note: I just like their store, I am not being paid by them in any way, shape, or form!).

You'll also need some ribbon. I found this silver Galena roll at a local store. It's made of metallic material, so it almost feels wired. I thought this would be better for positioning a headband and having it stay in place than a flimsier ribbon. I'd definitely recommend a thin metallic or wired ribbon!

Cut a length the circumference of where you'll wear the headband on your head, plus about 12 inches more (for tying).

Center the ribbon on the applique. You could sew it to the back, but the backing may be quite stiff. I chose to use strong craft glue instead and you could also hot glue it. Just be careful so you don't burn yourself!

Use a good amount of glue so the ribbon is firmly attached.

Make sure you add a bit extra where the applique ends, so the ribbon does not come off. (You want the applique to lay flat on your head, and not stick up at its ends.)

Let the glue dry for several hours, or overnight just to be sure (especially if you live in a humid area).

Though this headband would be great for a party, a sparkly accessory can add interest and 1920's flair to something as simple as a trip to the grocery store!

Fascinators look best worn low on either side of the head, rather than centered, and with the hair pulled back. They match perfectly with a sleek updo, or a low chignon. You could also curl the ends of your hair and style it into a low side ponytail.

If you make this, let me know how you wear it!

Sun on Leaves

2011-01-26T23:38:00.000-08:00

Is there anything more beautiful than bright sunshine filtering through the trees, shining down on the soft green leaves on their branches?

Marc Hanson has captured the golden light so beautifully in his "Sunny Bottoms" painting. See more of his work here!

Screenprints from Sheepshead Designs

2011-01-20T20:52:00.000-08:00

These screenprints by Brooklyn-based Sheepshead Design have such wonderful colors. The muted tones of the non-traditional color combinations are so lovely.

See more, including botanic-themed pieces, here!

The Cutest Camera Case

2011-01-18T19:31:00.000-08:00

Know what's perfect about this adorable camera case from Photojojo? It's the exact opposite of those stiff, boring leather camera cases that seem to be everywhere.

It'd also be really easy to make yourself, using whatever color of felt you like. You could also hand-stitch it using embroidery thread for the details if you don't have a sewing machine.

(I will definitely be doing this at some point - I promise to share pictures once it's finished!)

Easy White and Gold Necklaces

2011-01-10T22:52:00.001-08:00

Wintertime always makes me crave white and gold jewelry, to coordinate with all the twinkly lights outside. Below, I'll show you a quick & easy way to make your own using Shrinky Dink sheets!

First, pick an image you like (or multiple images) and print it out. I'll be using feather photos for the next few steps. Turn the paper over, and rub a pencil back and forth until you have a nice layer of graphite. You could also use a charcoal one, if you have it handy.

Turn the sheet back over, place it over a Shrinky Dink sheet, and trace the outlines. You won't need any detail in the middle, unless you plan on cutting it out to form a window or something like that.

Carefully cut out your shapes. A pair of small scissors works great for tiny details like the points of the feathers seen here.

Use a punch to create a hole where you want the chain to hang from. If you're doing an animal, like the quail shown above, you can make the hole where the eye would be. It makes the necklace look really modern but adds a bit of detail as well.

Then just pop your shapes in the oven, following the directions on the Shrinky Dinks packets! After they're done baking, use pliers to attach jump rings to the holes you punched and string gold chains through the ring. I like a slightly longer one, about 18" so it hangs low and looks a bit boho, but a 16" one works well too.

Zebedee Print's Linocuts

2011-01-05T18:30:00.001-08:00

Zebedee Print's linocuts depict flowers, animals, love notes, and rural scenes in wonderful color schemes.

Her "Allium and Cosmos" and "Springscape" prints are shown above. See more here!

The Past Couple Weeks

2011-01-03T21:56:00.000-08:00

The past couple weeks have been composed of:

*putting up the tree (despite me being allergic to them...I still insist on a real one)

*disastrous holiday baking attempts (I think my new measuring cups aren't standardized - oh no!)

*romps with the pup through the 17" of snow we got from a Boxing Day blizzard

*a trip to the New England Aquarium (which is where the above photo of Leidys Comb jellyfish was taken)

*classic - and amazing - cocktails at Eastern Standard, my favorite restaurant in Boston

*taking down the tree

*making New Year's Resolutions, both for myself and for my shop/business

What have you been up to?

Almost Here

2010-12-23T09:36:00.000-08:00

Dear readers, I meant to post diy, last-minute projects that would make lovely Christmas gifts for you this week. Unfortunately, the thing about the holidays is that they creep up on you. All of a sudden, you have way too much to do in too little time and blogging often falls by the wayside. So, I'll be posting them in January instead when I can take the time to properly photograph and explain them, step-by-step. Think of it as a late gift? (I do hope you'll like them!)

In the meantime, here's a photo of the sole burst of color in the backyard right now. I have no idea what type of vine this is - in the summer it's just green with golden berries. When winter settles in, however, the little globes blush the loveliest shade of red. (Thankfully, the birds left enough of them for me to take this picture!)

Happy Holidays

2010-12-15T23:13:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note that my shop is now closed for the holidays. A big thank you to everyone who visited and purchased from my shop, and to all of you for reading my humble blog! I really do appreciate everyone who takes the time to support handmade art and small businesses. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season, filled with everything you love and everyone you hold dear! (And lots of snow - if you don't hate shoveling, that is!)

I'll still be blogging here during the next few weeks, but I'm also planning on taking a spin around the Frog Pond, making gifts and cookies, and drinking my body weight in hot cocoa!

I'll have some handmade projects up soon, just in time for Christmas. I promise they'll be lovely but easy. No impossibly-perfect, time-consuming Martha crafts here!

(Although I do adore her website...and magazine...and books. Okay, I'll admit it, I secretly love her too.)

In the meantime, enjoy this brightly-colored "Winterberry" painting from Still Life Quick Heart!

Stamped Christmas Cookies

2010-12-13T22:41:00.000-08:00

I can't believe ordinary rubber stamps created these unique and beautiful Christmas sweets! I've been looking for a way to decorate sugar cookies that is quick yet still lovely, and this hits the nail on the head. I can't bear to elaborately decorate each with icing and colored sugar and nonpareils, knowing they will be destroyed in 3 seconds with 2 big bites!

(Via Woof Nanny.)

Lens Bracelets

2010-12-13T22:36:00.000-08:00

I love these lens bracelets by Photojojo almost as much as I love my 50 mm lens. Almost

Bazaar Bizarre Boston

2010-12-09T19:51:00.000-08:00

When I arrived at the South End a few minutes before the Bazaar Bizarre Boston opened this past weekend, people were already braving the chilly weather to line up down the block. It's obviously a popular show! Luckily, the queue moved quickly, and admission was only $1.

Although it was too crowded to get a good look at every single booth, the above vendors managed to catch my eye in spite of the masses.

Visiting farmers' markets is one of my favorite activities, so this fun and colorful bag from Bang Bang You're Thread would be perfect for toting fresh veggies home.

When the weather gets cold, playing cribbage is a great way to while away a snowy night. This handmade steel board from Mean and Wroughten gives an old game a modern look and feel.

Everyone knows Sunday mornings are perfect for sleeping in and then making pancakes - in your pajamas of course! This print by Flowers in May is a colorful tribute to weekend breakfasts. They also have wonderful homages to Parisian vacations and the art of baking.

Twigs and Heather always amaze me. This lovely mussel pendant looks like it's been sitting on the shoreline, its edges being gently worn down by the ebbing waves.

If there's a Bazaar Bizarre in your city, I hope you take the time to go and browse it!

A Round-Up

2010-12-02T10:28:00.000-08:00

A round-up of things that have caught my eye this week - I hope you enjoy them as well!:

This "Fortune Favors the Brave" print by Lilco Letterpress on Poppytalk combines a wonderful, inspirational quote with fun and playful design in the form of a banner.

Tinctory creates smocked silk necklaces in beautiful, hand-dyed shades. They remind me of old-fashioned millinery and feathers.

A big thank you to designer Erin Gates of Element Interiors for featuring my "Keep Calm and Rock On" print in the new "Baby Steps" article in Boston Home. It's an honor to be featured!

Ever wondered where the classrooms, halls, and other places seen in Harry Potter are actually filmed? This USA Today article reveals 10 real-life locations. I think the one for Hagrid's Hut surprised me the most. (It's very far away from London...and has quite a dark past!)

The New York Times has compiled a handy travel gift guide - I had no idea there were so many products for every travel need. Of course, if you have a friend who keeps dropping their cellphone or music player in various liquids, then #5 above would be perfect for them as well!

Shots from the National Geographic Photography Contest 2010

2010-12-01T09:57:00.000-08:00

I'm always amazed by the submissions to National Geographic's Photography Contest. Sometimes I forget how big the world is, and how beautifully simple-yet-incredible nature can be. It's all about the little moments - moths swirling towards the light, a bear drying off by the river, a child silhouetted during a fishing trip.

The Boston Globe's Big Picture blog posted a selection of the entries so far, and I've posted my favorites above.

See these photos (and many more) at a larger size here!

Free Shipping!

2010-11-29T07:23:00.000-08:00

My Cyber Monday deal has ended, but you can still get free domestic shipping (and discounted international shipping) in my store through the end of this week.

I'll also be adding new items in the coming weeks, just in time for the holidays! Click here to visit the shop.

DIY Terrariums, and A New Piece

2010-11-17T21:15:00.001-08:00

I've been wanting more greenery around the house as the last of the leaves fall and the view from the window becomes brown and gray. Unfortunately, I'm not very good with indoor plants. (They never seem to get enough sun, and I don't always remember to water them regularly.) Terrariums seem to be a perfect solution, as they can self-water for days.

These diy versions from Katy Elliott and DesignSponge are easy to make and beautifully emerald, cushioned with moss and dotted with whatever you find in your own backyard!

On a side note, I've begun adding new prints to my store in time for the holidays. This is my most recent one, "Surround Yourself with Love", hand-drawn and then layered with color! I've also posted holiday deadlines.

Classic Movie Posters from the Walterfilm Museum

2010-11-15T19:03:00.000-08:00

The Walterfilm Museum has a wonderful online collection of vintage movie posters, lobby cards, and photos. These are a few of my favorites, but they have many more you can browse through.

(On a related note, I can't wait to watch White Christmas next month. It's one of my most treasured holiday traditions! Does anyone else love the buttermilk scene?)

DIY Packaging

2010-11-10T22:50:00.000-08:00

These diy packaging ideas are from Nice Package Blog and How About Orange. The flowers are such a great way to upcycle catalogs and magazines! (An Urban Outfitters one was used for this blue, white, and gray rose.)

RSS Feed

2010-11-09T19:23:00.001-08:00

Just a quick note that you can subscribe to my RSS Feed here! (There's also a link in the right-hand column of this blog.)

Vintage Tomorrowland Posters

2010-11-08T22:43:00.000-08:00

These vintage Tomorrowland posters remind me of my first (and only) trip to Disney when I was 9 years old. We mistakenly thought it would be easy to find a restaurant with an open table on Thanksgiving. We couldn't have been more wrong!

So, we spent the night wandering around Tomorrowland instead, eating hot dogs and potato chips and going on rides. To be honest, it's one of my most beloved Thanksgiving memories!

Gifted Magazine by Creature Comforts

2010-11-03T22:12:00.001-07:00

The new Gifted magazine by Creature Comforts is now available online! It features great holiday tips from well-known bloggers such as Ellie Snow from Mint, Jena Coray from Modish, Cassandra Lavalle from Coco + Kelley, Victoria Smith by SFGirlByBay, and many more. It's also chock-full of diy projects and gift ideas for everyone on your list!

Botany Blueprints by Anna Malsberger for Imprint

2010-11-02T12:16:00.000-07:00

Anna Malsberger writes about seed pods and their dispersion methods in her "Botany Blueprint" column for Imprint. Her fascinating and informative articles are accompanied by incredible, close-up photos of the various pods. The ones shown here hail from wisteria, sweetgum, California flannel bush, and oleander. (Don't the latter ones look like soft, golden plumes?)

It seems like we only notice the flowers and leaves of plants, but I know I'll also be looking at the seeds from now on!

Roasted Sugar Pumpkin and Apple Soup

2010-10-29T12:37:00.000-07:00

I made this soup earlier this week with sugar pumpkins from a farmers' market. The recipe is simple and can be easily tailored to your own flavor preferences!

2 small sugar pumpkins (about 2 lbs. each), stems removed, cut in half, and pulp removed
1 Tbsp. olive oil

2 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
1/2 clove of fresh garlic
1 medium apple (I used a Macoun, you could use a Granny Smith if you want more of a tart flavor), cored and diced
6 c. low-sodium chicken stock
few dashes of nutmeg
few dashes of ginger
salt and pepper to taste
plain yogurt or sour cream (optional)

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.

2. Toss the pumpkin halves with the olive oil and place the pumpkin halves in a pan (you may need two, depending on their size). I like to place them cut side down. Roast until they can be easily pierced with a knife (about 45 mins). Remove them from the oven, turn the oven off, and let them cool.

2. While the pumpkins are cooling, heat the 2 Tbsp. oil in a large pot. Add the onions, and saute them until they are translucent.

3. While the onions are cooking, if the pumpkins are cool enough, remove their skins and dice them.

4. Add the diced pumpkin, garlic, and apple to the pot. Add in the spices. You may use cinnamon in addition to (or instead of) the nutmeg and ginger if you would like. Allspice, mace, cloves, or curry powder would also be great additions!

5. Pour in the chicken stock, and bring the mixture to a boil.

6. Once it's boiling, turn down the heat. Let the soup simmer for 45 mins. to an hour to let the flavors meld together.

7. Remove the pan from the heat, and use an immersion blender to turn the chunky mixture into a lovely, velvety one! Your pot should be less than halfway full, so that you don't splash yourself with the very hot soup. If your pot is not big enough, pour the soup into a larger vessel. If you don't have an immersion blender, you can use a masher instead. You can also use a blender, but you will have to do it in batches. Do not fill your blender more than halfway! Hot liquids will expand too much, and the top will fly off. You don't want to get burned!

8. Put the blended soup back on the stove, and bring it back up to temperature. Add salt and pepper to taste.

9. Ladle into bowls. For a fancier presentation, swirl in a dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream. Serve and enjoy!

Autumn's Fire

2010-10-27T21:47:00.000-07:00

I took this photo today of a maple tree's leaves turning lovely shades of gold, orange, and scarlet. Autumn foliage is always so beautiful!

Autumn Depicted By Winslow Homer

2010-10-25T22:06:00.001-07:00

How perfectly-autumnal is this painting, For to Be a Farmer's Boy, by Winslow Homer? It's just so appropriate for a peak-foliage, crisp October day like this one!

Jewelry from Handmade Charlie

2010-10-20T19:02:00.000-07:00

I'm absolutely charmed by these sweet, colorful, fabric- and floral-inspired necklaces & earrings created by Handmade Charlie.

Anne Smith Illustrated Maps

2010-10-19T18:55:00.000-07:00

These illustrated maps by Anne Smith are so colorful and fun! They include just the right amount of information about the points of interest, without including extra details that would distract from her wonderful drawings.

Spotted Belly

2010-10-18T22:25:00.001-07:00

I couldn't resist snapping a photo of the spotted belly of this harbor seal at the New England Aquarium. Two of them were chasing each other back and forth, in a game of water tag. If you catch a training session, you can watch them do tricks!

Wise Little Owls

2010-10-14T21:41:00.001-07:00

What is it about Columbus Day weekend that makes it feel like it's officially autumn? Unfortunately, it seems that a massive amount of around-the-house projects and huge to-do lists also come with the onset of the season. So that's why I'm a bit behind on blogging!

I think I need a wise little brass owl like the ones above to sit on my desk and inspire me to put my nose to the grindstone and plow through all my projects. (And get shop updates done in time for the holidays - I've got lots of brand-new items planned!)

(Owls via Olive Vintage, 26 Olive Street, Dear Industry, and We Think We Can.)

Random Round Up

2010-10-08T11:55:00.000-07:00

I love the feathers in this hand-watercolored "Custom Wedding Print" by The Wild Unknown.

This bowl is made completely of embroidered thread...and nothing else. Pretty amazing, right? See more from Chocolate Frog here.

I love this fingerless glove pattern found on Ravelry. Aren't the little cabled owls just adorable? I think I'd make them snowy white - they'd be perfect for winter!

I'm fascinated by these prints by Kate Breakey. Yes, those are actual dead animals that she put on light-sensitive paper and made silhouettes of. They're part of her new "Poetics of Light" exhibit at the Etherton Gallery in Tucson. Here's hoping they died of natural causes...

Kelli Anderson created these identity materials for the American Museum of Natural History. I love that they have a classic look, yet still feel very modern.

A very realistic painting of paintings! This piece is "Saturday at the Met" by Pauline Roche.

The leaves are just starting to flame gold around here, so this "Amber Reflections" oil painting by Kim Casebeer is quite apropos. The rich tones seem to glow, and I love the bright blue accents in the water.

Hope you all enjoyed the round up, and have a wonderful weekend!

The Emerald Isle

2010-10-07T19:06:00.000-07:00

Whenever fall weather arrives in New England, with its misty rains and brisk breezes, I'm always reminded of Ireland. I've been lucky enough to explore Dublin, the Wicklow Mountains, and the Ring of Kerry, but I can't wait to go back some day and see even more of this beautiful island.

What does autumn remind you of?

(Photo of Dunguaire Castle via Pixdaus.)

Customizing This Woodland Invitation Field Guide

2010-10-05T11:47:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about this "Wildlife Cheat Sheet" from Alyson + Levi's wedding ever since I first saw it on Oh So Beautiful Paper.

I love walking through the neighborhood or going hiking in the woods as autumn arrives, to see which trees are already changing color and discover which types of pine cones and acorns are tumbling down. If I'm lucky, I'll see little green ferns and toadstools peeking out from the piles of crunchy leaves or growing on fallen tree limbs!

Though this "cheat sheet" was originally created for a wedding, borrowing the idea of recording local wildlife (but customizing it for the flora and fauna you see on your hike or walk) would be a great way to celebrate the arrival of autumn!

You could even create one for each season, and see which animals migrate and how plants change over the course of the year.

Amazing Night Photography by Scott Lanphere

2010-09-30T10:59:00.000-07:00

This photo of Big Ben was my background for months last year, and now Scott Lanphere has even more incredible night shots to choose from in his gallery!

It's amazing how well he captures the lights glowing in the dark velvety night. The contrast of shadow and streetlights (or moonshine, as in the top photo) really draws you in and makes you notice every little detail. I also really love the blur that the fog creates in the London photo!

See more of Lanphere's photography here.

Vintage Travel Posters from the Boston Public Library

2010-09-29T13:17:00.001-07:00

These lovely, brightly colored vintage posters were created during the "Golden Age of Travel", which began in the 1920's and continued through the 1940's.

The Boston Public Library owns over 350 vintage travel ads, including the ones above, and has been kind enough to share them online through their Flickr stream! Click here to view more of these stunning works of art.

Autumn Apples

2010-09-28T18:40:00.001-07:00

One of the best parts of autumn is all the apples at the farmers' markets! These are Shamrock apples, which were created by crossing McIntosh and Golden Delicious varieties.

They taste like sweeter Granny Smiths to me, and are one of my favorites this year. If you see them in your area, I suggest you buy one and see what you think!