jaded, party of one...

So I've been a little aloof here lately (or so I've been told.) I think it's just been a very "internal" past couple weeks/months for me... and I've been spending a lot of time in my own head. But now I feel as if I'm beginning to come out of the fog. I'm really wanting to make my blog a daily thing, but as of right now... I am SO not in love with it anymore. I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that I am no longer content to just write about things that inspire me... I'm ready to start actually creating! It's gonna happen, my friends... Yes, it is.

In the meantime, though, at least I have really creative friends that I can live vicariously through! Colleen just added some super cute pieces to her Etsy shop! Yes! It's up and running... check it!
...until my next semi-pathetic post. Au revoir, my steadfast friends!

must win!

I want this.
I need this.
I must have this.

It's from one of the sweetest little Etsy shops I've ever seen, Bird in Flight Boutique. One of my daily-read blogs, Down and Out Chic is doing a giveaway today from this shop... and I am just waiting with baited breath to find out if I am the winner!

It would really make my week.

shout out!

I'd like to draw attention to a few things. Firstly, I know a really awesome chick. She is probably THE most stylish person I know. She inspires numerous people on the daily. Has incredible faith, true love for her friends and family, impeccable taste in pretty much everything under the sun, and on top of all that... has an incredibly humble and modest spirit. If I didn't love her so much, I might hate her. (joke. joke. jooookkkkeeeee. the mere concept of hating her is laughable.) Her name is Lesley, Bloggess Extraordinaire! And she just (and finally!) opened up her very own Etsy shop. And because I love her, miss her, (and want to bribe her into hanging out with me more often...) I wanted to dedicate this little shout out to her!

I can't wait to see what else she comes up with!!

The other thing that needs mentioning is this. My ultra-crafty, fabulous, inspirational, sweet-hearted friend Madame CoCo McJoJo (also known as Colleeny Weenie, also known as
Co-Bear, also known as... um, Colleen.) just announced to me yesterday that she will also be opening her very own Etsy shop. As of right now, there is nothing listed... but she has the raddest of rad ideas and I can't wait to see! (...I'm kinda hoping that the fact that I just officially announced it will inspire her to get a move on! heehee. Or, she might just be mad at me for jumping the gun. But I'm not worried about that possible second option because I know I can take her. No prob.) ANYwho, stay tuned, my lovelies to see what unfolds.


I'm so proud to have such talented friends. Just wanted to share.

cool art: Diana Sudyka

I just ran across this awesome illustration and was immediately drawn to it.
Woodland creatures, Check. Mystical atmosphere, Check. Slightly eerie, Check!
It's from Diana Sudyka's Etsy shop. She's an illustrator and print artist in Chicago who specializes in hand screen printed posters for rock concerts. Only after taking a closer look at this print did I realize that it's actually a poster for one of my FAVORITE bands, Fleet Foxes.
Fleet Foxes Original, Limited Edition Screenprinted Gigposter: $30.00

Me wanty... but me can no spendy the money.
*sniff*

baby-brained!

I'm baaaaack! I have indeed taken back the reins of this blog from my crazy husband. I told him to get his own! But now that I'm back in charge... what to write? what to write??
Honestly, all I can think about lately is babies. I am surrounded by them on all sides! I mean, seriously, there is a baby-boom happening up in here! I have no less than 8 friends who are expecting, a 1 month-old friend-baby{who's birth I actually witnessed}, a shower to attend on Saturday {for which I am currently sewing gifts}, everyone at the park today had a belly {including me, but mine was just a food-baby}, and now, as if all that wasn't enough... Just when I thought I'd come out of the baby-fog... I want another! All I do is peruse baby stuff online, and dream of number 2....

beehive kitchenware



little lark


out of the box

coco and milkweed

down home amy
{A side note on these snack packs: LOVE THEM! On Earth Day this year I decided that I need to greatly decrease the number of ziploc bags we go through. Told Andy I wanted to try and sew something to use instead.... And here ya go!
Someone went and did it! {and so sweetly, I might add.}


amenity

bookhou

Cute. Cute. Cute.

Into the briny deep...

Ive been listening to a lot of Decemberists lately, and they always puts me in a certain frame of mind. A swept-away, lonely, achingly-romantic sort of feeling engulfs me and I long to be living in those songs. Songs about the sea. Songs about lovelorn sailors and the women they left. Ghostly lovers. Revengeful mariners....
It's all so very wonderful to me!
(And, if you are not familiar... you need to be.)
click here:And all of that only goes to compliment what I'm already into
right now. All things maritime! (I tend to go through love-affairs with things quickly. A few months ago, I couldn't get enough woodland creatures in my life, and now, I'm on to whales. Go figure.) Anyway, I put together a little sampling of some things
I like right now:

andwabisabi: Etsy


Jenny Little: ShopSCAD



imogeneANDannie: Etsy


robotcandy: Etsy
(This is one of my favorite sellers. Love all their stuff!)


...And if you still haven't caught my seafaring-fever, then put on this album and let it whisk you away to a land of sea salt tears. Love it!


G'day Mateys! (...I know. I'm weird.)

Hand. Craft. It.

handcraftitfestival.com

I am so all about this! An exhibition of some of my favorite new artists will run from NOV. 18 through JAN 20. With the handmade market taking place on Saturday, DEC 13.
SO many wonderful things!!!

One name I saw on the list was Katie Runnels. The artist behind the amazing yarn wreaths I ripped off a couple months ago. Of course, her's are ten times more amazing! Visit her Etsy shop and see for yourself.

I absolutely love the craft movement that's happening right now! Inspired people creating homemade works of art! It's spreading like wild fire. I'm ready to get in on the action.
Love it!

i.c.e.

I went. I saw.
I didn't want to leave.
Indeed, I'm talking about the lovely time I had yesterday at the indie craft experience
or i.c.e.
(which for all intents and purposes could also stand for
I. Covet. Everything.)
It truly was an awesome thing. Located in an industrial loft turned photography studio... It was not your average craft show. There was a DJ playing awesome music above all the madness happening on the floor. (The small space was completely mobbed with people.) And vendors selling beer, spiked eggnog, hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps,homemade granola, cookies... and tons of other yummies.
But I wasn't there for the food.
The homemade glories abounded, and I took my time at every single booth (like, three or four times, i think.)

However, like most of you, I'm totally broke at the moment, and so I mostly just looked (and coveted). But I did get a few little trinkets. I bought a set of three hand painted pins from
Christy Wooke.


... And i just had to get a little something from
blue eyed freckle as well.
A little feathery hair clip... so sweet.

Of course, I was way too busy gawking at everything to remember to take any pictures... even though I brought my camera for that express purpose. But if you desire to see more, I suggest you head over to the lovely Lesley's blog Homemade Grits. She executed her blogging duties, and posted in great detail about the day!

Have a happy week, lovies!

Pssst... (Thanks for being my partner in crime yesterday CoCo. I had a great time with you!!!)