Splendid Finds - Bunnies!

I've seen rabbits popping up all over the place recently. The bunny trend in no way compares to, say, that of deer or owls. But bunnies aren't just for the nursery anymore. There are certainly plenty of sophisticated options out there. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Bunny Poster - Debbie Carlos ($45)

2. Modern Baby Clock, Rabbit - Decoy Lab ($58)

3. Zaha Hand-Cut Bunny - Essimar ($65)

4. Peter Silver Tail Ring - ModCloth ($14.99)

5. White Rabbit Original Canvas Papercut - The Time is Now ($15)

6. Hippity-Hop Lamp - Anthropologie ($88)

7. Calourette Rabbit Ring - Urban Outfitters ($60)

Splendid Finds - Triangles

Geometric patterns have been a top trend for a while now. Here are a few of my favorite triangle-inspired picks:

1. Pennant Mat - Lara Collins ($8)

2. Original Gouache Painting - The Red Dog Rugby ($220)

3. Pyramid Necklace - By Boe ($55)

4. Triangle Explosion - Spin Thread ($75)

5. Homestead - Beauchamping ($75)

6. Jeweled Headband - J. Crew ($26.50)

7. Handmade Wooden Kit of Magnets - Studio Fludd ($19)

8. The Color Study II Locket - Verabel (Alyson Fox Collaboration) - ($48)

9. Red Mountain - Fine Art Print - Brandi Strickland ($30)

10. Scale Necklace - Laura Lombardi Jewelry ($54)

11. Kaleidoscope Patchwork Quilt - Urban Outfitters ($128)

On My Doorstep

Mondays can tend to be, well, Mondays. So, you can imagine my delight when I came home to a certain doll-sized package on my doorstep.

My Sophie & Lili doll arrived! Or rather, Sophie's Sophie & Lili doll arrived.

She's very cute. Much like the real thing.

And an extra little detail was added to the back.

What a sweet surprise!

I think Sophia will like her.

Maybe, just maybe as much as her new Yo Gabba Gabba book...

I don't know, though.

DJ Lance Rock has a clear advantage (with the orange jumpsuit, and all).

Happy Tuesday!

Splendid Finds - Cyber Monday Bargains

If you didn't take advantage of the Black Friday deals (or are still on the hunt for more bargains), you might have some luck shopping online today. I have taken 20% off of several of my new prints, as well as 30% off of some of my older originals, found here. In honor of Cyber Monday, I thought I would include some other Etsy sellers who are offering special savings today as well. Here are a few top picks:

LolasRoom

clockwise from top left:

Bookworm - 8x8 Print ($12.50)

The Shoe Collection - 5x5 Print ($8.50)

Small Things - 8x8 Print ($12.50)

Penguin Books - 5x5 Print ($8.50)

*All print sets and calendars are 30% off. You can select from your favorite images to create a custom print set -- such as any nine 4x4 prints for $24.50. What a deal!

A Look Only You Would Understand (Orange) - $20

I love Ashley G and Drew's artwork, and they are offering 25% off their entire shop through today.

Just enter the coupon code "Holiday" at checkout.

1. Reveling in the Enjoyment of Her Material Pleasures - 8 x 10 Print ($18)

Mincing Mockingbird is offering free shipping to US and Canada through Tuesday, November 30th. You can also purchase their hardcover art book, It is Folly to Assume My Awesome Lies Dormant for 25% off.

2. Golden Blossom Hair Comb - ($27)

LuxeDeluxe is running a half price sale on select items.

3. Sweet Orange & Vanilla Bean Body Scrub - 8 oz. ($10.40)

DressGreen - Select items are 20% off through the end of the day.

4. The Classics - 8x10 ($24)

Emma Kisstina is offering a free 5x7 print of your choosing with any purchase, through November 30th.

Happy Shopping!

Music Monday - Darren Hanlon

I hope that all of you (in the States, at least) had a lovely Thanksgiving. Mine was quite nice, actually, and I especially enjoyed the much-needed long weekend. If you are like me, and found getting out of bed this morning to be particularly painful -- than this week's video is for you. So charming...

Darren Hanlon - All These Things - Music Video from Natalie van den Dungen on Vimeo.

Enjoy! Happy Monday!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you are all having a wonderful holiday. I have so much to be thankful for this year -- a new niece (who is amazing!), an incredibly supportive family, encouraging friends, artistic opportunities, health...and on and on and on.

Hopefully all of my attempts at cooking will yield positive results - but even if they don't, I know we will enjoy each other's company -- and isn't that what matters most?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Splendid Finds - Wreath Round-Up

I completely understand that not everyone enjoys a DIY project as much as I do. If you fall into that category, then this post is for you. There are so many beautiful wreaths to choose from. Here are a few of my top picks:

The Maine Wreath

Holidandy - $60

I love the little moose!

The Jingle Ball Wreath

Also by Holidandy - $60

Super sweet for a more rustic feel:

Homespun Christmas Wreath

Catnapcottage - $68.50

Yarn Wreath

ItzFitz - $30

I love the contrast of the red poinsettias on the white wreath.

Poinsettia Yarn Wreath

ItzFitz - $40

Christmas Wreath - The Nodule

foolishthings - $55

This wreath combines my favorite color combination -- mustard & grey -- with another favorite - ruffles!

Mustard door Sweater

CrannyFoundFavorites - $34

And, for you DIY-ers...LillyBlossom is selling a tutorial for this very cute wreath for $4.95!

Enjoy!

New prints in the shop!

I have two new prints in my Etsy shop. These are prints of two original papercuts. The original pieces definitely fall into the "labor of love" category, as they each took about a week to complete. But I love the end result, so it was definitely worth it.

Joy Runs Deeper Than Despair - $20

Truth and Kindness - $20

"Joy Runs Deeper than Despair" is also available as a greeting card, found here.

Enjoy!

Splendid Finds - Tush Tush

Last Christmas, I had Tali from Tush Tush create three original pastel drawings for various family members. It was a particularly emotional holiday for us, as my grandfather passed away just weeks before Christmas. When I found that Tali would do custom pieces for me from photographs I selected, I knew it was the perfect gift.

This is really the beauty of Etsy. There was an ease to the communication between us, and with the transaction in general -- and Tali lives is Israel. As an artist, it is amazing to know that my work has been purchased by people in Japan, Germany and Australia -- places I might not have access to otherwise. But to be able to give something so sentimental, by someone so genuinely kind -- who I never would have encountered without Etsy -- is remarkable. Here's what she created:

This was taken from a photograph of my grandmother holding me as a baby. Such chubby cheeks!

This was for my mother. I am on the left and my sister is on the right. We were/are incredibly happy, and I love that she included the artwork on the refrigerator.

I gave this to my aunt and uncle. Their beloved dog, Lynyrd, passed away last year as well. I knew that this was a favorite photo, so it seemed a natural choice.

Thanks, Tali!

Thanksgiving - What I'm Cooking

I cannot believe that Thanksgiving is mere days away. This year has absolutely flown by -- the last few months in particular. I'm excited to spend Thanksgiving with my family, and excited to prepare a few dishes as well.

I'm making the stuffing this year, which will be a first. I guess, technically, it's dressing, because we don't actually stuff it inside the turkey.

I'm trying this Martha recipe. Usually, I tend to think Martha's recipes are far too complicated. Who has the time to give a portion of your ingredients an "ice bath"? This recipe does call for homemade pumpkin challah bread. Um, no. I will be incorporating Panera-made challah bread instead. I think that I will also use apples instead of dried figs, as it better suits my family (i.e. non-adventurous eaters).

Cornbread and Pumpkin Challah Stuffing with Dried Fruit

This next side might change, based on my brother-in-law's very strong reaction to the mere mention of butternut squash. "Gross! Disgusting!" I reminded him that I made it last year -- Was it that disgusting? Why did no one tell me? But I very clearly remember my family loving it. And I seem to remember my brother-in-law eating and loving it, too. We'll see. I liked it.

Roasted Butternut Squash with Mustard Vinaigrette

I have used the vinaigrette portion of this recipe on many vegetables. It's great with green beans, and the vinegar helps keep them fresh for a little longer than usual, should you have leftovers.

And finally - dessert! I love pumpkin anything, really, but this recipe is especially delicious -- and easy! I first encountered pumpkin cobbler last year while guest-judging a chili cook-off (which I completely failed at, as I don't eat red meat) and halloween costume contest. They had a bake sale as well, and this is what I purchased. It was so delicious that I had to find the recipe. I think I made it two or three times last winter.

Easiest and Most Amazing Pumpkin Cobbler

I'll let you know how it goes! What are you making this year?

DIY Project - Tinsel Wreath

I have to say that I have really been enjoying having the time to do some projects for myself. When I saw Ez's instructions for tinsel wreaths, I knew I had to give a try. It just looked so easy. And inexpensive. And it was! I made both wreaths for under $15 total -- and it took maybe 15 minutes for each wreath (flower included).

I made a large wreath for my front door:

And a smaller, white wreath for inside my house:

I would post instructions but, really, just follow the instructions on Creature Comforts. There is a link within that post for the wax paper flowers. They are also super easy, and very adaptable to other projects. Have fun!

Music Monday - PS22 Chorus

I've been battling some sort of horrible cold for the last week. I'm not one to spend a lot of time (if any) on my sofa, but this week has definitely been an exception. I came across this video while reading through my blogger feed and linked over to their YouTube page to watch more...and more...and more. They're so inspiring! If you ever question the importance of arts education in public schools, I would challenge you to watch these videos and see if these kids don't change your mind:

The PS22 Chorus singing "Lisztomania" by Phoenix.

Splendid Finds - By Boe

I don't wear a lot of jewelry. My ears are pierced, but I haven't worn earrings in years. I love bracelets, but always end up taking them off because they drive me cr-azy. However, I love necklaces and I love rings. Big ones (both necklaces and rings -- I was trained at the Anthropologie school for accessorizing).

I would love to tell you how I came across By Boe jewelry, but I honestly cannot remember. Their web-shop has been in my "Craving - Accessories" folder since it was practically created, so the memory is gone. But, not the obsession with their jewelry. Oh no, very much still intact.

There is definitely a simplicity to their designs that is very appealing. I also love that they create pieces that you can stack and layer. There are plenty of lovely necklaces, earrings and bracelets to choose from -- but I especially love the rings:

Tunnel Cocktail Ring - $50

I'm especially crazy about this one.

Square Wood Rings - $10 (for the entire set of three!)

Open Circle Cocktail Ring - $45

layered with

Basic Wood Band Rings - $10

(again, for a set of three!)

Girlie Show - What I Bought

The Girlie Show was so busy this year -- which is great (definitely no complaints here) -- but it didn't allow me much time to check out the other vendors. I was able to make a very quick purchase from Pamela Michelle, though. I have two tiny prints of hers already, which I received for Christmas last year. But, I just couldn't resist picking up this print:

I also completely fell in love with everything from Lara Collins. I haven't purchased anything from her just yet, though, as I have a funny feeling that I'll be receiving something of hers for Christmas. My sister and brother-in-law came to the show on Friday night, and my sister asked if there was anything I might like for Christmas (this is how I received the Pamela Michelle prints last year, by the way). We journeyed over to Lara's booth, braving the extremely loud music being pumped out of the nearby DJ booth, and I said "anything from here". Her jewelry, housewares and t-shirts -- they're all completely lovely. Oh, the anticipation!

Splendid Finds - Sophie & Lili

I have been looking for a doll for my niece Sophia for quite some time. She was adopted from Ethiopia, and I think it's very important that she has a doll that looks like her. The fact that there are very few dark-skinned dolls out there came as no surprise -- I can remember being very aware of this as a child, walking up and down the aisles at the toy store. I knew that I would have to search a little to find one -- but I didn't anticipate just how difficult this search would be.

A few weeks ago, I was drooling over the online pages of Gifted Magazine, lovingly put together by Ez of Creature Comforts fame. If you haven't looked through this, you really need to. It's beautiful. And it will absolutely get you in the holiday spirit, I promise. And possibly, like it did with me, convince you that you must wrap all of your gifts in white and gold. Gorgeous!

I'm getting off topic. Anyway -- this is how I discovered Sophie & Lili dolls. There are a few pre-sewn dolls to choose from, but the incredibly appealing element was the ability to customize a doll. What? Brown skin? And pom poms? And a range of adorable outfits to choose from? Yes please (and thank you so much!).

Adorable, no?

Image taken from the Sophie & Lili blog.

I can't wait for Sophia's doll to arrive! And, don't worry, I'll most certainly post pictures of it when it does.

Tidings of Comfort and Joy

To continue on with the Christmas theme...I created Christmas cards this year! This is something that I have intended to do for several years, but something always seems to get in the way. I wanted to create something that was clean and modern, but still had some classic Christmas charm.

Besides "Merry & Bright", the text used in the cards are from Christmas carols. I hand cut the text on white paper and then photographed it layered over glittered cardstock. The end result has the slightest sparkle -- a perfect amount of holiday cheer.

Merry and Bright.

Peace on Earth.

Repeat the Sounding Joy.

Comfort and Joy.

They're all available for purchase right here.

Christmas Cheer!

I love Christmas. The ten+ years I spent in retail tried to kill my Christmas spirit but, happily, it did not. Not one bit. I decided that, after many weekends of making things for The Girlie Show, I would spend this last weekend making something just for fun. I don't get to do that very often, so it was nice to spend time on a project just for myself.

For the past few years I have used two small Christmas tress -- without tree skirts. I never can seem to find skirts that are a) under $100 or b) not made of completely disgusting fabric. So, I've been improvising with fabric that I had on hand the last two years. Not this year!

I bought two yards of red felt (which, in hindsight, was way too much) and whipped up two tree skirts, perfectly sized for my little trees.

This was, actually, quite easy. It does require sewing, but all you really need to know is how to make ruffles. There are great tutorials online should you need a refresher. Once I created the ruffles, I simply sewed them onto the un-hemmed circle piece using a zig-zag stitch.

Hooray!

On My Doorstep

Two amazing books found their way to my doorstep this week and, I have to say, I am quite pleased with my purchases. The first is more of a practical purchase Creative, Inc. by Joy Deangdeelert Cho and how-does-she-possibly-find-the time Meg Mateo Ilasco.



I loved Craft, Inc. by Ilasco, so I was very excited to hear about the new collaboration. The sub-title "The Ultimate Guide to Running a Successful Freelance Business" pretty much sums it up, as well as explaining why I felt the need to purchase it. I've only made it through the first couple of chapters, but I'm loving it so far.

While I could argue clear advantages to being a self-taught artist, I do wish that I'd had someone to show me the ropes, to give me a logical sequence of events. I don't have that, so hopefully this book will fill in some of the blanks.

The second book "Patterns" by Orla Kiely is, perhaps, not as practical, but necessary all the same. I tried to hold off purchasing this as long as possible -- "Christmas will be here before you know it", I kept reminding myself -- but, I couldn't resist.



I love Orla Kiely. The patterns, the colors -- perfect. I stalked my local Target the weekend that her line was supposed to hit the shelves. I bought mugs and two serving trays, but would have found room in my tiny house for the entire range.

The book is thick and gorgeous. It covers the history of the company, inspiration and lots of images of the specific patterns and how they have been incorporated.

Just lovely, right?