September 23, 2014 http://tmblr.co/Z4JBOn1RUanNj
I admire people who take that less is more approach to life. I feel like I am constantly over-involved, over-thinking, over...well you get the idea.
Over the past few months a friend has been purging her home and really focusing on minimizing her "stuff". Can you imagine how liberating that might be?! She does indeed look happier for the effort. My cousin took the approach this last year of requesting that his friends not give him the standard gift fare, but rather gifts of their thoughts and experiences with him - written and drawn for him to cherish. Such a personal approach and a great thing to look back on later in life.
Not everyone wants to get rid of their worldly possessions and shun every bauble, but the idea of simplifying your life is generally very appealing, no? Today, I've been looking at a shop called Huewood on Etsy. It's a simple idea, really but with beautiful effect.
Miran hand paints wood cubes and squares in simple and vibrant colors with unique black accents.
If I didn't see the brush marks, I would swear they were machine printed.
Very polished and professional!
I am suddenly imagining playing a game of name that shadow. Do you ever do that? Something or someone casts a shadow and you try to guess what it looks like. You could play that with Miran's pieces...a tree, a lake, an ocean, a sunset, a city, a shoe lace...wherever your imagination goes.
Whether you decide to purge your worldly possessions, recall a memory with a friend, or simply play a shadow game, I hope you interact with life today in a way that makes you glad to have lived another day.
September 22, 2014 http://bit.ly/1vtodwX
Are brooches just for little old ladies? No way! Maybe I am reaching "that age", but I am starting to find them appealing...and even considering making some myself. I have been recently inspired by some different textures. These are not the crazy sparkly metal ones you see in department stores, but softer and cozier feeling.
I even found one that might go with that necklace in Katie Joy's shop to build on my Halloween costume cheat for work:
These lovelies can all be found at a wonderful shop called Quinny's Crochet on Etsy. Now, she's got plenty more than brooches, so go take a look. Especially you folks who live in the cooler places. It's all the stuff I would think to pile on when I visit...or it gets colder than 60 degrees here.(Yes, I am a weather wimp!) Seriously great scarves, headbands, neckwarmers, etc...
On the topic of brooches, I found another shop who makes some terrific ones of a different sort. Since the Paisley Lizard is more about fun jewelry, she offers some wonderful clay brooches, like these:
Can you imagine the time and patience it would take to carve and paint these pieces? I just love 'em. Hey, that last flower might also look good as an addition to a black suit for, you know, Halloween spirit. Ahem.
Anywhoo, leaving you with the thought that brooches can be fun whether you are young or old or somewhere in between, like me.
Cheers to a happy Monday!
September 22, 2014 http://bit.ly/1rFrREz
With all of the weird weather we've been having, allergies have been at an all time high in this household. How about you? Feeling a little out of control lately?
So, when I was looking at Flaherty Naturals on Etsy this morning, I was thinking about how wonderful it is when you can control your allergic reactions to things. Reading through Deb's about page, I find that's exactly how she got her start...helping her clients overcome their skin sensitivities with natural, organic products.
Now, when your allergies are out of control, you appreciate every bit of soothing you can get your hands on, and Deb's got quite a few. I love that you can try them before you commit to a big jar or bottle with these sample packs:
I'm thinking a basket of this would be a great gift for that picky or non-committal someone on your shopping list, although Deb does have some very nice full size gift packs too.
So, sit back with a nice cup of tea and your tissue box and peruse the shop. You are bound to find some great new essentials.
Sept. 16, 2014 http://bit.ly/1xwJ5HJ
A few years ago, I discovered fuze beads when my kids brought them home as camp projects. They made quirky little magnets with designs and may have made a unicorn or two. They are really pretty cute, but the beads are terrible to clean up when the bucket spills on the floor. (Trust me, I know.) I recently met Rhi who has taken this art form to a whole new level, called pixel art. I mean, just look at this headpiece:
and this one:
Cute, creative and totally wearable, right?
You should check out the rest of her Etsy shop - Puffy the Slayer. It's super-creative geek chic.
September 13, 2014 http://bit.ly/1mOlNsV
We are having a crazy heat wave here in SoCal. 109 degrees during the day Sunday, but I went out anyway and got to see some cute lion cubs at the Wild Animal Park. #SafariPark #Overheated #SundayFunday
Anyway...Late in the night, I find myself looking through Black Raven Creations, my friend Rhonda's Etsy shop. It occurs to me that we are experiencing quite different realities from one another - opposite world, if you will. Weather over there looks to be 60's and raining (as a high!) and her shop sells all sorts of knitwear to prepare you for cooler weather. I am fantasizing right now what that might be like, and am maybe a little envious at the moment. Plus, she has a very cute dog, see?
Of course, I also have a cute dog, but he's cute in more of a big, beastly and doesn't know if sort of way. See, again with the opposites! Anyway, she's got some cute things for us melting people too. Just look at this bag. It'd be perfect for a trip to the beach or pool...or maybe ice cream. Yum!
https://www.etsy.com/listing/190960687/blue-flowered-small-project-bag-100?
It's time for me to head to sleep, but if you're up reading this, you should check out her shop too: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlackRavenCreations
September 7, 2014
Well, I spent last weekend and many nights this past week finishing 2 tables I was determined to have ready for an upcoming handmade market. You've seen this one already, but now it is ready for prime time with stain and poly and a great new mosaic tile top. Dimensions are 38" dia x 15" tall (in case you are in the market for some new living room furniture).
A bit irritated that I didn't take a before pic to show the big change on this next one, but after a LOT of work (new top and bottom wood, fresh paint/stain, and a fresh mosaic tiling job), it went from looking horrid to this:
It looks kinda small, but is really 22 inches square on the top and a great height at 26.5 inches.
