Our days of packing are winding down to the finish... I'm feeling elated by the fact I can stop all of this sorting, and boxing things up in a few days. Even though there are a lot of details that are still hanging in the balance, I really feel energized by all of the possibilities of the future that lie up ahead.
I stole a few moments last night diving into Jenny Hart's Sublime Stitching book, a lovely gift from my friend Yvonne. Embroidery is so therapeutic. I used to do it free hand, never taking the time to learn all of the different stitches. So now it feels like I'm getting to know this craft backwards. Following patterns has always been a difficult thing for me, I always want to veer off and do my own thing. But these lanterns are so sweet, I'm absolutely smitten. There are so many fun patterns in this book, it's tempting to want to embroider everything. I love it.
Be sure to check out Yvonne's lantern cushion too, from her archives. (We like to joke that she's the Dutch Martha.)
We live in a Craftsman style home that was built in 1918, that's in dire need of renovating. Every little bit of color or inspiration that I can add into our living space in this moment of disarray is so appreciated. I have exactly one room in the house that's almost exactly as I'd like it to be. I call it my haven. You can see a piece of it in this photo. Since then this canvas has moved all over the house, I just can't decide! Every time I hang it on a different wall, I have a new appreciation for all of the wild brush strokes and colors.
Christina recently opened up a little shop online, all of the original pieces from her body of work are also sold as prints, cards, and gicl�es. Her work is full of life and color, and all around good energy... just like her!
The loveliest little package came in the mail today from Jenny of Queenthings. I'm wearing the crown ring that she sent as I type this and practically feeling the spirit of her channeling through my fingertips! She keeps a gorgeous blog called True Nature which will instantly snare you into the depths of wander lust. With such a thirst to capture and seek out beautiful experiences to share visually with thought provoking insights, you'll see why I'm hooked.
All of these little treasures made it a good excuse to show off my $3 bouquet of dahlias purchased at the flower-stand on the corner of my street over the weekend, but not to outshine the gorgeous polaroid card by Maditi that Jenny sent. (You can find Maditi on etsy too.) I adore it!
And she sent this fantastic little book with folk painting techniques and a cd filled with the ethereal songs of Juana Molina ... both are already in the studio waiting for some action.
