Wednesday, June 13, 2012


(From top to bottom: "Blue wren watercolor painting" by Splodgepodge; "Diagonal abstract print" by twoems; "Colorful Vintage Cars" by make.life.paradise; and "Hand shadows on the wall" by LouisestArt.

This collection is all about color! How fantastic is chartreuse and magenta mixed with cool blues and greens. I think this color palette is energizing and fun but not so bright that it would overwhelm your space. Plus, I love that each piece feels sort of vintage and modern at the same time. What do you think?

You can see other Instant Art Collections here and here.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Never Have I Ever


I started to write another random facts post, and when I realized that the first couple were things I've never done, I just continued on with that theme...sort of like a game of "never have I ever" except without the drinking...unless you happen to be drinking while reading this, then by all means. :)

Never have I ever...

1. been to a drive-in movie theater.

2. seen the Pacific Ocean.

3. operated a lawn mower or done really any yard work at all.

4. been skiing.

5. eaten lobster.

6. thrown a party at my place (not including my parent's house).

7. been married.

8. had a professional pedicure.

9. gotten a tattoo.

10. written fan mail to a celebrity.

What are some random things you've never done?

Monday, June 11, 2012

Wednesday, June 6, 2012


(Clockwise from top left: "No. 022 High Line" by Pocket Square; "Portrait of a Lady" by Courtney Oquist; "La Esquina Corner Taqueria" by Alice Gao; and New York Landscape Series 4 by Isabella Di Sclafani.)

This collection is for all those who love nostalgia, urban landscapes, and a muted color palette.

To see last week's Instant Art Collection, click here.

Friday, June 1, 2012

Message of the Day

(Print from Bates Mercantile Co.)

What are you guys up to this weekend? We were supposed to go see a house, but it got nabbed out from under us. This is approximately the 800th time this has happened, but I guess it just wasn't meant to be. I'm still holding out hope that the perfect place will open up in the next couple of weeks. Other than that, we might go see Moonrise Kingdom or just laze about, read, and make things for the shop.

Hope everyone has a great weekend full of wonders.  xo, Mary

Thursday, May 31, 2012

It's Factual


It's been a long time since I did one of those random facts posts, so here you go:

1. I rarely chew gum or drink soda, though there was a time when I drank soda like water (in middle school and high school).

2. Coffee is my vice of choice these days, but I actually don't drink that much.

3. My biggest pet peeve is probably people who are rude to servers in restaurants, or any other customer service people...those jobs suck and don't pay well and it's amazing the crap they have to put up with on any given day.

4. Sometimes when I'm working on something, I get so engrossed that I have to remind myself to stop and eat and go to the bathroom.

5. I come from a long line of thrifty people. I almost never buy anything on impulse, and it's actually hard for me to spend money. I think it's wired into my DNA, but that's a good thing because I've never had very much money to spend.

6. Having said that, I'm not cheap when it comes to the things I love. If there's a special piece of art, a unique piece of jewelry, or anything else handmade that speaks to me, I have no problem saving up and paying what some might consider a lot of money for it.

7. My dad and I are the only ones in my family who can drive a stick-shift. I drove one for years. But now it's been so long I'd probably be a little rusty.

8. I can't whistle or curl my tongue.

9. For much of my life I've been a "thinker" more than a "doer." I'm trying to change that because life is short.

10. I don't love places that are very loud or very crowded. It's ironic then, I guess, that I live in the city where too many people are everywhere. But nothing beats walking down city streets.

Anyone else want to play? What are some random facts about you?