Category Archives: Posts

advent calendars

November 30, 2011Postssusan

I love the idea of a countdown calendar. To be used for anything really. I am thinking about making one to because the cheap ones have such poor quality chocolate. ^_^ This particular example (spotted in the Anthology magazine gift guide) may be a bit extravagant but I have a weakness for little boxes in cubbies, especially ones filled with surprises!

There are some things that I like about this season and some I could do without. I am in love with the colorful strings of lights that are hung up everywhere. I love getting bundled up and going out for winter walks, then coming home and enjoying a cup of something hot. Last night we had the heater on and a vanilla candle burning and it was so cozy in our little cottage. Its the perfect season to be inside, snuggled up with a baby.

the world of elsa mora

November 28, 2011Postsartist, craft, elsa mora, elsita, multi-media, paper cuttingsusan

I have written about this amazing papercut artist before but have since become fascinated with the world dreamed up by Elsa Mora. She calls herself a multi-disciplined artist but I’m not sure that one can understand her creative depth from such a phrase. Here is a sampling of some of her work:

I am in awe of this woman. She is my new muse and this is why:

She makes clothes and accessories (felt broaches, paper jewelry, embroidered headbands, etc.) and has a creative eye for styling new and vintage clothing.

Captures self portraits and uses photoshop to add artistic backgrounds.

Her hand skills are enviable. She loves needle work, whittling, sculpture, ceramics, drawing, painting, paper cutting and book making (I am sure I left some things out).

She has showings in galleries around the globe of her work.

She is a prolific blogger who shares stories and inspirational notes for her readers. She maintains four craft specific weblogs and a personal site.

Her work brings me joy. I am happy just knowing that there are people in this world who have tapped into their creativity so much that it spills over into everything that they do. She remains playful and curious on her life journey and inspires me to do the same.

wrist worms sale

November 20, 2011Postssandra juto, Tchaikovsky, wrist worms, Wu Hansusan

This week Sandra Juto is offering her collection of wrist worms at twenty percent off. I have the charcoal dotty pair and I wear them so much that I would happily welcome more styles of them!

Also, been listening to Tchaikovsky all day and really enjoying the Seasons pieces performed by Wu Han on NPR.

reusable and sustainable

November 13, 2011Postssusan

In our house we like to use as little plastic as possible. We prefer glass and cloth that we can clean and reuse. I would like to share some of our favorites.

Life Factory glass water bottle (and baby bottles!)

Lunchskins snack & sandwich bags

Snapware glass containers and Pyrex

Muslin bag for bread

Mesh produce bags

Baggu shopper

I actually found a site that is really useful in shopping for these items called reuseit.com.

lately

November 6, 2011Postsbrian ferry, jason bennettsusan

I have been taking in a lot of internets while breast feeding and finally had a moment to note some favorites as of late.

My friends are hecka talented! Jason’s new piece “Torn” is pretty fantastic. And Justin recently revamped Frog Hollow Farm’s website and for Halloween created this adorable illustration.
I think Tweed Runs are so cool. Also I am really enjoying hot tea these days (with caffeine!) with Paris tea and Trader Joe’s Cinnamon & Vanilla Black tea being in heavy rotation. Especially enjoyable while listening to Professor Elemental sing this song.
I made this recipe for vegan pumpkin bread and it came out perfect. Sort of forgot the walnuts and used olive oil instead and it was delicious. I still have pumpkin left over so I can make pumpkin soup next. I use a super simple recipe from the Fanny Farmer cookbook.
Brian Ferry has a book out. I really love his photography and look forward to his blog posts. This Starbucks campaign he did with Stephanie Congdon Barnes and More & Co. is total perfection in my book (not that I would expect anything less from these creatives). One of the images has been my desktop image since it was posted and will probably stay that way for months.
Loving the calendar selection on Etsy. This illustrated fruits and vegetable calendar from The Little Canoe tells you what is in season that month. Claire Nereim also has a calendar and gorgeous posters that highlight California produce.