scissors paper glue

:: what's inspiring me - friends ::

First off let me just say thank you for all the new banner love.  I was really unsure about it.  I guess I just loved the boot banner so much I wasn't sure I would like anything else.  Your kind words have given me confidence, thank you.

In this blog world of mine, I have been lucky enough to have met some very inspiring ladies.  Ladies who send me inspired stuff in the mail.  Let's take a look at some of the things that have gotten my creativity going in the last month.

I received these adorable tags in the mail from my pal Mary Ann.  In her card she said, I hope these make you squeal a little.  Did they ever!  I am inspired by all the little details she put into these houses.  I don't think I will be able to use these tags.  They are destined to become inspiration wire fodder.  Let's make like a peeping tom and take a closer look.

Who wouldn't want to live here?  If you are lucky enough you could snag the last set in her etsy shop.

Next up is my talented friend Mary.  This girl can take a picture!  She is also working on opening up a paper shop online.  Woo Hoo can't wait for that.  I received inspiration two-fold when I talked her into asked her to do a photo swap with me.  I fell in love with one of her photographs during color week.  She not only sent the photo but also some amazing tags that will be available in her shop.  Check this bundle of inspiration out.

Now tell me that the orange picture just doesn't scream inspiration.  The tags are tres chic no?  Then she stitched up a little envelope to hold it all.  Brilliant.

Finally my friend Suann sent me a beautifully packaged birthday present.  If you don't know Suann you need to.  She is very talented in so many areas.  She has the cutest etsy shop.  Along with some personalized stationery and an adorable to do push pin, Suann sent this.

A little bundle of Matryoshka love.  There are so many creative possibilities here but I think I'll just sit and stare at this fabric and trim tape just a tad bit longer.

Thank you for keeping me inspired friends.

:: what's inspiring me - reads ::

So today I am sharing a few things I have been reading and of course been inspired by.

The first is volume two of the LINES & SHAPES series.  Just as inspiring as the first one.  Beautiful photos, talented line up. Block is the visual theme throughout. You can purchase it here.

The second I am not really reading per se, more like I am drooling over all the pictures because this beautiful magazine is ALL in french.  The latest issue just hit my mailbox last week and I have already gone through it several times.  If you are interested in a subsciption see my sidebar under cool stuff.

Lastly, I am looking through this

Have you seen these books?  There are several in the series and they feature great locally owned places.  One section is dedicated to places to eat and the other section is dedicated to shopping.  A fabulous tool for anyone that is interested in the local essence of the city you are visiting.  Or just to dream a little bit.  Which is why I have this book.  In the hope that I will travel to Paris before my polaroid film expires. Wish me luck!

That all I have today.  See you tomorrow.  Hopefully earlier than later.

:: what's inspiring me ::

This is one of my most favorite bouquet ever featured in Martha Stewart Weddings.  I buy ever issue for inspiration.  It never fails, the person at the bookstore always asks if I am getting married.  I find this extremely funny.  "No" I say, " I am just buying it for the ideas". While at the same time I am telling my four year old son to stop climbing on the bookcase. 

Inspiration, it's a very personal thing.  In the blog world though it is like we have found kindred spirits.  People who are inspired by a lot of the same stuff we are.  It's nice to not have to explain yourself isn't it?

I am going to try and dedicate this week to what is inspiring me right now. 

Here are a few links to get started.

Polaroids.  this amazing photographer.  this picture. can't wait for this book, it's almost here.

bye bye boots

Although it has been pouring rain here the last few days I went ahead and took the boot banner down.  I put up a new collage I have been working on.  I have had it in my mind for weeks but haven't had a chance to work on it until this weekend.  I am feeling refreshed and a lot less stressed after my break.

We are going to the wedding of a dear friend tonight.  I am looking forward to dressing up, having a babysitter and a night out.  I hope you are all having a relaxing weekend.  See you tomorrow.

polaroid :: in my neighborhood

say cheese

Hello, hello!  I am still here. Sorry to be so absent from this space as of late.  I have a ton on my plate swap and trade wise and got myself a little overwhelmed.  This is the reason I stopped doing swaps for a while. They are suppose to be fun not stressful.  So I think I will be taking a wee blog break to get things back in order. I will be back next week if not sooner.

Above is my little budding photographer.  He sees mommy with her camera all the time and so he wanted one too.  I thought it would be fun to see the world from his perspective.  I'll be sure to post the results.

Have a safe and sunny weekend!

doesn't get much better than this

you know your friend REALLY likes you when she not only sends you vintage buttons but sends them in your most favorite colors ever.

lucky me, that's all i'm saying.

mother's day in polaroid

the game with gramma, my sis, her hubby + family and little cousin

the boy and a little pink eye

Our Feet

A stroll through a favorite store

Time to head home.

next

:: Ahoy,  Captain ::

This is another collage I finished recently.  I have been trying to incorporate the anchor redwork into a piece of mine since I bought it at the greatest antique store EVER while in Portland for Studio Craft.  Nothing was working so I put it aside.  I pulled it back out again recently and began to play.   Then my little captain ended up laying on the redwork just like that and I thought to myself.  That's it!  The rest was easy.

That kind of thing  happen to me time and again, where the pieces just seem to find each other.   

I love it.  Collage kismet!

finished

:: living room wall :: in my etsy shop now.

I am trying to get back to basics a little this week.  i'll be showing some pieces i have been working on and some works in progress.   

Happy Tuesday!

What my children have taught me

You can never say i love you too much.

That mixing two cereals IS yummy.

That being silly is not only neccesary, it's required.

That to make them happy all I need to do is play with them.

That stripes and polka dots DO look cute together.

That I am a good cook.

That a hug and a kiss can fix ALMOST anything.

That I never knew I could love THIS much.

Happy Mother's Day to all of  my mama friends.