scissors paper glue

color

 

Color is always an inspiration in my world but I have really noticed it lately.  I just can't get enough of it.  I have always thought if for some strange reason I was forced to chose one sense to keep and lose all the rest, I would have to keep sight.  I am a very visual person, not only in art but in learning too.  I have to watch someone do something in order for me to really "get it".  I am sure there are more of you out there just like me.  I think the visual thing is also why I like blogging so much, You all are a bunch of color geniuses!  Its funny because if I print something out that inspires me from a blog, I am always disappointed in the paper version.  The colors are always so clean and vivid on the computer screen. 

Color was really involved in my last shop update too.  I had so much fun putting together the mini color inspiration packets.  I think I will definitely be making more of those soon.

Speaking of the shop thank you, thank  you from the bottom of my heart for all the shop love.  You guys are the best.

officially

   

Phew!!

The shop has been updated.  My biggest update ever. 

Please go here to check it out.

working hard

for a shop update tomorrow.

wip -shop update

Monday, January 28th.

going with the rainbow theme

Hi everyone

I saw a rainbow this morning driving my kids to school.   I figured it was a sign that the day has to be good when it starts like that.  So because I started a little rainbow action in my last post I think I'll just continue with that.  Because rainbows are never a bad thing.

jewels in rainbow style courtesy of MSL

watercolor set photo by yours truly

and no matter how many times I look at this I just never stop being inspired.  The Color Wheel Quilt in Joelle Hoverson's book Last Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts.

I received lots of sweet comments about my scary work changes and whether or not the needles in the last post were mine.  Thank you for you support, I am hoping everything will be fine with work.  If not I will figure it out.  As for the needles (and the photo) they belong to the folks at Martha Stewart Living.

I love ...

• amazing friends who pay attention to detail
• good mail days (today was one of them)
• seeing the wonderfully pregnant belly of a dear friend who i miss very much
• that the post office will sell eames stamps this summer
• this picture

i don't love...

• when life gets in the way of posting here
• scary changes at work

fun with auntie

My sister came down this weekend.  We always have so much fun when she is here.  She has always been the best auntie to my kids.  Of course, she also brought her little pumpkin, my niece who i just adore. 

We made really cute necklaces.  I realized I should have taken a picture of all three of ours (hers, mine and my daughters) together but I didn't so here is a pic of mine.  Against my better judgement and after a stern warning of it will probably get broken, my daughter wore hers to school yesterday and guess what ?

 

We also went to Daiso.  My favorite Japanese store in the world.  My favorite find this time was this cuckoo clock puzzle.  At a dollar fifty who could pass this up?

Isn't it the cutest. 

Here it is with pieces removed to reveal a cuckoo and the gears within the clock.  so clever.

Thanks sis for coming down, see you Sunday.

a trip to japan (well almost)

I first saw this book in Anthrolpologie about a year ago.  The beautiful colors on the cover are what drew me to it.  I picked it up to thumb through it but after a few pages I stopped and thought to myself, I have to get this book.  It's beautiful.  But such is the monster of Anthro that I started trying on clothes and forgot about the book when I checked out.  Fast forward to a blog (where, i don't remember)  I saw that someone had gotten this book as a gift.  Armed with a Barnes and Noble gift card and my computer keyboard, I now own the book too.  It is a easy read and the illustrations are just beautiful.  Maybe quirky beautiful but beautiful just the same.  If you want to take a mini vacation to Japan do yourself a favor and treat yourself to this book.

In that same vein, a high school friend I recently reconnected with really did go to Japan.                (Hi there S)  Look here and here for some lovely pictures.

Oh and speaking of traveling i've found another great swap.  sign up here.

kismet

Funny how i was talking about how i have not finished this mobile a couple days ago. 

Then i find this swap yesterday.   

whizzing and whurring

Well aren't you all just the kindest bunch (she said in her attempt at a southern drawl)  You birthday wishes for my first born were so heartfelt and kind.  Thank you!

So things are finally winding down celebration wise here.  One thing I know for sure is that i did not plan very well when getting pregnant.  One pumpkin born in middle of November and one the first week of January make for some extra busy holidays.  Ah, now it is over for another year and i can relax (a little) and start thinking about some projects.  There is soooo much crafty goodness out there right now.  People sharing all of the beautiful  + creative things they made as Christmas gifts.  My favorites are this, this and this.   Amazing right?    What a great gift idea this is.   Sorry to send you on a wild link goose chase but oh my it's a good time to be in blogland people!

My mind is buzzing with ideas!  Speaking of which, when i saw this favorite image from the new year  it reminded me that i have a project similar to this sitting in my cute but ever neglected project bag.  I think it is time to finish it.  What are you all working on and inspired by these days?

The raindrops are all done but where is the cloud????