{May 27, 2011}

These could quite possibly be the cutest set of stitch markers I've ever seen. I mean how could I not adore them given they combine two of my most favorite things--coffee and knitting?! I will definitely be using these a lot. The seller, Bijoux Designs For You, is also incredibly nice to work with and has several really nice pieces (from stitch markers to jewelry) in her shop. Plus, if you like the ones I purchased she has another listing for them as well... ;o)

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{March 12, 2011}

Back in January I blogged about my beautiful hydrangeas that met an early demise...and made me sad. Then, while cruising around on Etsy I found some yarn that brought me back to those warm summer days, where the promise of my flowers blossoming and growing abounded. Enthralled with my find, I contacted the super nice Liz of Birds Nest Yarns and grabbed a skein, imagining multiple projects I could do when it arrived. The yarn ended up being even nicer in person...I petted it a lot. But, and I'm almost embarrassed to admit this, I have yet to knit anything with it. It's not that I don't want to, it's just that I'm having a hard time figuring out what TO knit with it. I think I may have decided on a sweet little scarf so when the days are crummy I can wrap it around me and feel the sunshine.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{March 9, 2011}

Recently, I've been inspired by all the cute boutique packaging that I've seen other photographers putting together for their reprints, etc., so I decided to start building my packaging line by purchasing some bakers twine in colors matching my logo + website. I found a great Etsy seller, The Twinery, and bought some samples from her. Today I got to use two of them as I mailed off a beautiful 16x24 Standout of my print "Light from Above" and wanted to dress up the boring cardboard with a bit of color. Holding a strand of each, I carefully wrapped the twine around the packaging, finishing it with one of my business cards and a bow. Cute! The colors are great, but...as a hint of things around the corner...will most likely be different soon enough. More on that later.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{February 24, 2011}

Isn't this the cutest little notecard?! I received this in a package last year when I ordered this adorable fox print from Etsy seller krisblues for Megan's birthday. Her favorite animal is the fox, and seeing as how she didn't have any art for her room, I thought it would be fun to find some unique pieces to decorate her walls with. Naturally when I came across Kristiana's shop I had to get one of her prints...and then tell my dad to get one for Megan as well. We were very happy with Kristiana's work and I dug the free notecard that I kept for myself. What can I say? I'm a sucker for bears!

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{February 11, 2011}

This is a close-up of a hydrangea wreath my dad gave to me for Christmas in 2009. I specifically requested this one as the varying shades of pinks, purples, greens, and creams, I thought, would match perfectly against our merlot colored doors. It came from Etsy seller Seasidecotnaturals and while I love it, it's not nearly as colorful as the ones she has pictured (seems to be a recurring theme, no?). Also, what I did not realize is that hanging an extremely fragile wreath, made of dried flowers, on a door where people were going in and out often (usually wearing winter coats), meant it would not survive long. One would think I would have thought that through...apparently not. So I moved it to the large window in our "foyer" where it blends in perfectly (and much more safely). My love for hydrangeas has already been documented, and I'm sure this wreath will debut on the blog again, although probably in full form.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{February 1, 2011}

Awhile back I made a beautiful moss stitch scarf that ended up being much shorter than I had anticipated. I ended up tucking it in to my coat and zipping, or buttoning, it up as high as I could to keep the scarf from falling out. Then I realized if I could find a shawl pin I would be able to wear my scarf without any concern. Thus began my search that took much longer than it probably should have. I wasn't able to find any locally, even at the yarn stores, but after skimming through several shops on Etsy (yet not liking what I saw) I came across a husband and wife duo who make them by hand. When I saw they lived in Oregon I felt it was fate...and I also wondered why on Earth I couldn't find these great pins locally when I lived there. Their shop is Nicholas & Felice and they have a ton of gorgeous handcrafted shawl and hair pins in their online store. It was difficult choosing between them all, but I'm really happy with the Yin Yang version I purchased--although I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I want to buy a couple more. The communication was great and I received my pin super fast, so I would highly recommend them! Isn't it cute?!

On to the pic...{click to view full size}