A Pretty Spectacular Wedding Present

These bowls, from My Mama's Table, would make a lovely wedding or anniversary present. The font can be customized as well as the date. The person behind the bowls has a passion for both graphic design and ceramics and it's obvious in these beautiful creations. I've got six weddings on the docket this year, so it's nice to know of a gift that I'd be as excited to give as they'd be to receive.

knitting pretty

  

I saw this magazine and for the umpteenth time wished I had learned how to knit years ago.This might be what inspires me to overcome my shyness and join a class. 

Images: Interweave, designedlykristi, pinterest, historicneedlecrafts

homemade holiday cards

My mother wanted me to illustrate her holiday card this year (her not-so-subtle way of making sure I continue to draw or paint and not get lazy about art), so I did just that (not only because I am still a little scared of my mum and always do what she asks, but because it is so rare for her to ask a favor and I'm thrilled to be able to do something for her for once! ).

I decided to make two designs- a pine cone with greenery and berries hanging from a ribbon and the side door of my parents' house, complete with the holiday wreath.
The images were scanned in and reproduced on stationery. After I had the cards back home, I added just a little color- green in the wreath on the door and red for the berries with the pine cone.
Now I'm especially glad I took on the project. It felt good to draw again- why are moms always right?

Beeswax Tapers

When is Vivi going to move nearby so that we can roll beeswax taper candles for Christmas gifts? When?!
I am anxious to try this out, but it seems a better project for two ambitious gals given the bulk ordering of the wax sheets.
What a cool holiday project though- rolling some honeycomb tapers, pairing them with a beautifully designed matchbox and packaging them oh so perfectly for those little presents you always need.
Maybe next year.....
I did find a site, Toadily Handmade, that sells sheets of beeswax in many colors specifically for rolling or actual entire kits for family projects (or blogger buddy Christmas crafts) . If you decide to put this on your to-do list for the holiday season, or anytime, it makes it pretty easy!

Images: yourbeeswax at etsy (1,2) and toadilyhandmade (3)

Cathy Cullis

"Bunny we shall be close"

I am massively in love with the mixed media/embroidery/book collage work of Cathy Cullis. There is something both incredibly Victorian about her work as well as undeniably modern. She's just so creative and inventive - I can't handle all the loveliness... 

Also see Cathy Cullis's flickr, blog, and etsy shop.

"all sorrows shall be gone"

"never stop dreaming"

"somewhere else"

"I shall be here for the dreaming"

Easter Bunnies

It is no secret I am big fan of littleAshop on Etsy. The bundle babies are a truly special gift- handmade, one-of-a-kind, and sweet as all heck.

Now this post is actually about the bundle bunnies. This Easter if you are putting together a basket for a baby/young toddler (or folks of any age who appreciate perfect touches), some of those things like assorted sweets, bubbles, and sidewalk chalk are out, but I will tell you what is in.....a bundle bunny! What an ideal Easter treat. littleAshop does custom wool or cashmere bundle bunnies (with color selections conveniently listed) and I can't think of a better surprise at the end of a jellybean trail or egg hunt. Hop on over and check them out!

Image courtesy of littleAshop

fanciest finger puppet

Miss bird was found in the etsy shop of sweetbestiary. She is said to be not only industrious, but a gossip, according to her listing.
Regardless of her potential big mouth, I am impressed. What an amazing piece of art. This finger puppet is fashioned from paper mache, paint, fabric, and lace. Whether or not you have the need for a new finger puppet in your life-you have to admit....she is pretty cool.

All images courtesy of sweetbestiary via Etsy

Cady Briar

I came upon Cady Briar Custom Handbags when I was searching for an artist to make a bridal purse for my sister. The clutch selection on the etsy site was so stunning AND they could be monogrammed AND made to your specifications. I was sold.

Now, three weeks later, my sister is the happy and touched owner of a silver silk clutch with a sapphire lining that has her initials and those of her fiancee, along with their wedding date, embroidered inside. It is not only her something new and something blue, it is a beautiful keepsake from the day.

Here are just some gorgeous examples of the collection.....

All images courtesy of cadybriar via etsy

Collections

Ceramics artist Claire Prenton is one of those incredibly talented creators who encourages you to peek at her inspiration and process. I love the fact that alongside the amazing gallery and background information on her website she actually includes a link titled "Inspiration".

After clicking on this, I was even more impressed with her work. She shares the collections that inform and motivate her, the sketchbook where she works through her ideas and designs, and even a flickr photo stream of what speaks to her. I think these design sheets and photographed collections are already pieces of art, but just think..... it is simply the beginning.

All images courtesy of claireprenton.com

Booties

Little Teddies Felted Merino Baby Ankle Booties image via prettylittle

After finding out that four of my friends were expecting babies in the coming winter, I decided that this quartet of newborns will be receiving booties from me to welcome them into the snowy world. I love a baby in booties. Even if booties do tend to fall off and you spend half of an hour on the hunt for one and sometimes they are more chew toy than footwear, but they are always adorable.

I like to think that a pair of baby shoes is more than just an accessory. One summer ago, when my daughter was born, my mother gave me the pair of baby slippers that I wore home from the hospital. They were almost too small for my little girl and the white satin was slightly discolored from age, but I loved that she could wear them- even if it was just once. Now they sit in the perfect spot on a shelf in her nursery and when she moves into her big girl room, I will pack the booties up and save them for her.

While on the hunt for the perfect baby shoes I found there really is a booty for everybody....

Turquoise Booties image via MeandTex

Yellow Honey Bunny Cloth Baby Shoes image via starlightsound

Audrey Baby shoes/Booties/Slippers image via sugarplumbtree

Little Button Loafers image via WeChooseJoy
Ivory Rose Trim Silk Booties via DivineBlessing
The Hunter baby shoes/slippers/booties/loafers image via sugarplumbtree

Monkey Booties with Red Ribbon Ties image via lilcubby

Organic Baby Boots. Leaf Green image via infusion

Oop-Violet-Wool Felt Baby Shoes image via LaLaShoes

The dollmakers

I love handmade dolls. I grew up treasuring a ragdoll that my great-grandmother made for my mother, who passed it to my older sister, who eventually (reluctantly) passed it to me. The doll must have been 40 years old by the time I got her, but she was completely intact, if a bit dirty, and came with a beautiful hand-sewn wardrobe. My favorite piece was a pink dress with a drop-waist pleated skirt.

25 years later, dolls inspired me to start sewing. Specifically, Hillary Lang's Make-a-Long dolls, Olive and Archie, got me hooked.

image courtesy of Hillary Lang

When I first saw Olive and Archie on Hillary's blog, I had to have one, so I bought the pattern and my sewing life began. Hillary doesn't usually have Olives and Archies for sale in her shop, so if you want one, you'll have to sew one, too (or become my friend so I can make one for you).

Jodie of Ric-Rac is another doll maker I admire. Her dolls have such friendly expressions, and they are always decked out in clothes I wish came in people sizes. Jodie occasionally lists dolls in her Etsy shop, but you have to act quickly.

image courtesy of Jodie at Ric Rac

Mimi Kirchner's dolls are so artful and lovely, I can only dream of approaching her level of skill and imagination. Even at 34, I can imagine spending afternoons dressing these girls up in their stylish wardrobes. A few of Mimi's creations are for sale in her shop.

image courtesy of Mimi Kirchner

The fact is, though you have to get lucky to snag one of the dolls above, there are plenty of gorgeous handmade dolls for sale on Etsy. Take your pick:

image courtesy of frazzydazzles


image courtesy of SweetSukie


image courtesy of Bit of Whimsy Dolls


image courtesy of AntheaArt