New Ornaments!

Hi guys! I wanted to share a few more ornaments that I've added to the shop and remind everyone that today is the last day to save 15% off with coupon code HOLIDAY2015.

I actually have a few more ornaments that I wanted to have listed by today, but it's been horribly dark and rainy here, and I've struggled to get good photos. I looked at the weather forecast for the next week, and there's nothing but rain everyday until Thursday. I definitely don't want to wait that long to list ornaments because I know that some early birds have already bought their trees! But I will probably wait for better lighting to photograph and list the notebooks I've finished and other things. So expect a few things to be added later on this week and early next week. I'm going to try to photograph the rest of the ornaments today and list them tomorrow, regardless of the weather. Wish me luck. xo, Mary

Shop Update + Sale!

Hey guys! Just wanted to do a quick post to let you know lots of new ornaments have been added to the shop and more are coming! Also, you can save 15% off everything with coupon code "HOLIDAY2015" through Monday night.

I've been making a list this morning of all my favorite handmade shops having sales and trying to do as much Christmas shopping as I can today. This is more fun to me than getting presents. :)

Happy shopping, friends!!! xo, Mary

What's Happenin', Hot Stuff?

This is just a small, prettily arranged pile of what is actually taking over my life right now. I'm basically just floating in a sea of crafty flotsam and jetsam. Really though, I've stabbed myself more times than I can count, and I'm pretty sure I have a permanent hunch in my back from leaning over my desk. BUT! New things are coming soon. :)

What are you guys up to this weekend? I've been busy working on a few side projects lately, one of which was to shoot family portraits for some folks, and I'm trying to finish up editing today. I have much respect for people who do this all the time because going through and editing hundreds or thousands of photos takes sooooo much time, at least if you're going to do it right. That's one of the many reasons why photography is better as a side gig for me.

Actually, now that I think about it, every project I take on is very time consuming, like see-you-in-a-few-months kind of time consuming. One of these days, I'll figure out how to be one of those people who does things quick and easy. Are you one of those people? Share your secrets, please. :)

We are also going to Glenstone tomorrow, which I'm really excited about. It's actually not great timing with everything else we have going on this weekend, but I made the reservation months ago, and I'm not giving up our spots! Glenstone is a modern art museum in Potomac, Md. that's only open Wed. to Sat., and they only allow a certain number of people in at a time. Reservations are required, and you can probably imagine that weekends fill up fast, which is the reason we've never been before. Photography isn't allowed inside, but I'll probably post about it anyway if the show is good.

What are you guys up to this weekend? Oh also, if anyone has any good suggestions for shows to stream while I'm sewing I'd greatly appreciate it! I've been re-watching old shows like Buffy for the millionth, possibly billionth, time. And I'm not saying there can ever be too much Buffy, but you know, I'd love to get into a new show also. I feel like it helps me get into a rhythm when I'm working, and I can challenge myself to try and finish one ornament in the time it takes to watch one episode. For the record, that has never happened, everything I make takes too long, but it's something to shoot for.

Hope everyone has a cozy and crafty weekend! xo, Mary

Shop Update!

Here are a few notebook sets I've added to the shop! I've been experimenting with hand-carving lino blocks and rubber stamps for a while and ultimately decided on combining printed images with hand-drawn and painted details. So each notebook is still one-of-a-kind!

I have been wanting to do notebook sets for about as long as I've been making notebooks, and I finally got around to it! Better late than never. :)

More notebooks are on the way. I'm trying to get as many finished, photographed, and listed as possible because I know people like to give them as Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers. I can't believe it's almost time for Christmas shopping!

Speaking of Christmas, I've been a busy bee sewing up lots and lots of colorful ornaments, which I'll share soon.

Holiday crafting is in full swing around these parts, and I couldn't be happier about it.
xo, Mary

Today's Finds

Blob party mini clutch by Kindah

Vintage bird brooch from Skomoroki

Folk art dolls by JessQuinnSmallArt

Vintage alarm clock from The Things That Were

Modern dollhouse from Milky Wood

Lots of little treasures in today's finds. I love to buy things that feel special, either because they're handmade or old and well-loved, with the hopes of passing them on someday to someone who will really appreciate them. :)

Today's Finds

Plaitaway bangle from Erin Lightfoot

I love all of the patterns on Erin Lightfoot's porcelain jewelry...just gorgeous.

 Lounge chair by Masaya & Co.

I designed a chair with a very similar silhouette many moons ago when I was in design school, so it makes sense that I would instantly be attracted to this chair. I really just can't stop looking at it! Personal preference aside, I think this simple silhouette is truly timeless and would complement just about any modern (or not-so-modern) home. Also, this shop gets bonus points for using sustainably-sourced hardwoods and planting 100 trees for every chair they sell. :)

 Railroad circle blouse from Sara Bergman

I love Sara Bergman's take on the classic striped shirt...changing the direction of the stripes to create geometric elements and visual interest. And it looks comfy too!

Pure copper spun planter from Yield Design Co.

Copper, brass, and rose gold are everywhere right now. It's funny how trends change because if you look at design magazines from even just 5-10 years ago (and I have a lot of them...outing myself as a magazine hoarder right now), warm metals were considered outdated and even icky! Haha. That's just silly. This copper planter is just about the cutest thing I've ever seen, whether it's trendy or not, and it would look nice on a bookshelf (or really anywhere).

Silver stackable rings - Moroccan Sugar Collection from gemagenta

These rings were cast in sterling silver from models carved out of real sugar; they're inspired by Moroccan tea rituals and henna tattoos. How cool is that? I love the lacy, free-form style, and I think they're so delicate and pretty.

Have you guys found any new shops or indie designers that make your heart go pitter-patter lately?

Bees!

I haven't been making too many brooches lately, but I had a request through my Etsy shop to make a bee brooch, and I couldn't say no! I love bees and frankly couldn't believe I've never made a bee brooch before. I do have a bee notebook in the shop already that's really cute, if I do say so myself, but also very pink. I'm thinking I might make another bee notebook that's a little less girly. It will still be cute, though...nothing I can do about that. ;)

I waited pretty late in the day to take these photos, but that's the beauty of summer light and long days...they didn't turn out half bad! I'll be sad when the days get shorter, and I can't procrastinate taking/editing photos as long haha.

What have you been making lately?

Today's Finds

This week is all about cute patterns!

Lightening bolt wall decals from Little Sticker Boy

I can't look at a lightening bolt without thinking of Ziggy Stardust (that's not a bad thing), and I think these decals would be so fun in a hallway or entryway. I like the idea of trying out removable decals if you're not sure you want to commit to wallpaper but want to do something, you know?

Cactus twirling dress from Thief&Bandit

I originally saw this adorable cactus print on a little girl's dress and was like, "Once again, toddlers get all the best clothes." Then I realized there's an adult version too! (Is it weird that I still like the style of the kid's dress better?)

Wavy chevron pouch from Gracie Chai

I love all those little wobbles in the hand-painted squiggly lines, and it seems I can't ever have enough pouches.

Avocado pillow from Earth Cadets

These hand-printed pillows come in lots of color combos and sizes and they're made from organic cotton. Aren't they cute?

Handmade polka dot bowls from Baskakova

Polka dots are perfect on anything, if you ask me, and these bowls would look so pretty on open shelves.

Yep, I'm pretty much a sucker for any cute pattern or novelty print, especially if it's hand-painted or drawn, but that's probably no surprise. What patterns are you loving right now?

Today's Finds

Fauvism Midi Skirt from Anthropologie

I was browsing Anthropologie the other day looking for pretty things I can't afford, as one does, and I came across this skirt with an amazing pattern of painterly strokes and was instantly smitten. Then I saw that it's called the Fauvism Midi Skirt...as if the pattern wasn't enough, they go and name it after an art movement to really reel me in! I started skimming the reviews for sizing info as I always do before placing something in my cart, and that's when I saw the name Yangyang Pan. I was like, "Of course! That's why it's awesome!" The skirts (there's actually two different patterns/colorways) were made as a collaboration between Troubadour and Yangyang Pan. I blogged about Yangyang's work and her shop, Siiso, a little over 4 years ago (longtime readers might remember), and I'm still as bowled over by her colorful paintings today. Her shop is seriously one of my favorites, and it makes me super happy when Etsy artists get more exposure from collabs with large brands.

Greenhouse Necklace from Kate Rowland

Parni Bikini from ApartofmeAPOM

Small Crossbody Bag from Olula

Glass Flower Vase from AvolieGlass

Today's Finds - Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle is one of my all-time favorite scents; it will literally stop me in my tracks when I pass by it. But those heavenly blooms just don't last long enough in nature, if you ask me, so I'm on the lookout for a year-round replacement. Perhaps because it's a sweet, but not super strong-smelling plant, it's difficult to replicate in scented products. Perfumes and soaps are usually too sickly sweet, too floral, or so light that they don't last very long. I haven't actually found one that made my heart sing yet, but I'm still looking! Here are a few promising candidates:

Wild Honeysuckle handmade vegan soap from Formulary 55

I ordered several olive oil soaps from this shop for my mom years ago when they were still called Sweet Petula, and my mom still talks about them! Sadly, they stopped making olive oil soaps at some point, but I'm sure their shea butter soaps are amazing too. Also, I love their packaging.

Honeysuckle kitchen basics set from Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day

I've tried hand soap from Mrs. Meyer's in other scents and really liked most of them. Somehow I didn't realize they made honeysuckle-scented products. I am definitely trying these soon!

Honeysuckle candle from Votivo

I love the idea of burning a honeysuckle candle on a summer night. This one has really good reviews. Votivo also makes a honeysuckle fragrance mist that looks good.

Honeysuckle perfume oil from Hidden Acres Soap Co.

I've been burned by bad perfumes in the past, haven't we all, but this one promises to be light and "true to wild honeysuckle on the vine," which is exactly what I'm looking for. Also, Hidden Acres Soap Co. has lots of happy customer reviews for all of their products.

All of these goodies are made from natural ingredients, without a lot of added chemicals, which is a bonus!

Do you have any favorite brands/shops for scented home or bath and body products? Please leave a comment if you do!

Handmade Basket and Ukrainian Easter Egg

I shared a pic on Instagram back in April of the Easter basket that Peter gave me, and I've been meaning to do a post ever since! Handmade gifts deserve more than a mention in passing, am I right?

Peter got the supplies and hand-wove the basket himself. He did such a good job!

He bought the Ukrainian Easter egg from Katya Trischuk. Do yourself a favor and browse through her shop. Her work is beautiful!

Several people who saw my photo mentioned to me that they know someone who collects pysanky, and I can see why. The intricate details, patterns, and bright colors are so appealing.

If you'd like to see Katya in action, watch this video. I love watching artists work; I could really watch process videos all day.

Today's Finds

Corner shelf from Senkki Furniture

ATL poster by Methane Studios, found at the beehive

Artist's Toolbag: Scarlet by Fleabags, found at Maven

Happy sun cup by beardbangs ceramics

Rubber stamps from French Attic Finds

Today's Finds

Ceramic tumblers from WRF Lab designed by Nobuhito Nishigawara, found at Cameron Marks

"Summer Solstice #1" by Alicia Bock

Brass earrings by SerenArT

Hand-printed bag from maiuki

Tank dress from Me & Arrow

It's 90 degrees today, and we haven't turned on the air conditioning yet. Feeling hot and spacey and dreaming of driving to the beach (hopefully) soon.