I don’t do this kind of knitting at home.

Check out this knit gold and silver jewelry by Mikan Designs on Etsy.  Gorgeous. Just Gorgeous.

Loving this designer

Found this on Etsy this morning. A couple of my favorites.

The back, which I like almost more than the front.

My budding artist

As Mazie is getting a little bit older I’m working to get her more involved in crafting, cooking, and making things with her hands.   This year for Christmas Maze and I ventured to a paint your own pottery studio to create some utilitarian works of art for gifts.  We also made our own wrapping paper.

This image is of Mazie making the wrapping paper for Robbie’s birthday present, which was shortly before Christmas.  I discovered these paint pots by Crayola Maybe you all have them, but they were new to me and are wonderful for her age.  Paint is messy people let’s face it, but at least these are less enticing to use as a makeup brush like a regular paint brush is for Mazie, which was a major challenge during the whole paint your own pottery experience.

I know I’m a little biased, but admit it… this is good stuff from a toddler.

Here we see the artist in action and saying “cheese”.  BTW the bib is from Mimi the Sardine, which I posted about back in November 07 Also note in the background our very first (mine too, yes I’d never made a gingerbread house before) gingerbread house.  More to come in a post about our Christmas related things.  Yes yes I know it’s over, but give me some time I’m writing a blog while working and raising my child.  It takes time people. 

Amazing.

I’m not sure what else I can possibly say about the work of Yulia Brodskaya other than…….amazing.

Sometimes love can come so easily….

Etsy never ceases to stop providing lovely things over which I can fawn.  Check out these AMAZING scarves by Necklush .

I am always wearing scarves and am never really warm unless my neck is warm.  If anyone, Robbie, wants to buy me one of these as a gift, I would be delighted and the gift giver might score some points.

I take back everything I’ve ever said about toilet paper tube crafts

I often use a description of “toilet paper tube crafts” as an analogy for art, design, and things handmade that I deem to be crappy, e.g., “the handmade items on Etsy are a amazing, not the kind you find at a church fair made out of old toilet paper tubes.” However, today I take it all back. I take back every bad word I’ve ever said about the use of old toilet paper tubes in crafting and art.

Check out this art work by artist Yuken Teruya It’s absolutely amazing and gives a whole new meaning to the toilet paper tube.

These are really neat. You should get one and give one.

I’ve recently come across this new spin on Kokeshi dolls, which are traditional friendship dolls given to family and friends accompanied by well wishes.  The new spin on an old tradition are called Momiji friendship dolls.  Seems that there is also an interesting sub-culture around these little cuties, which I’ve not yet quite figured out.

Each doll has a personality assigned to it and a sentiment for the recipient.  For instance “Twinkle” shown here on the right is accompanied by “Your heart has a happy twinkle that keeps me always cosy.” Twinkle will be in my mom’s Christmas Stocking this year.  You can also include your own personal note in a secret compartment on the bottom of each doll.

I’m always looking for new and interesting little trinkets to give my friends and family.  Both Mazie and my mom will be getting these and you never know, one of you just might end up with one too.

Some of these were designed by this interesting designer, Joanna Thou. Pics courtesy of her site.

Oh the things you can do with a Sharpie

Check out this amazing room done by designer Charlie Kratzer, which was showcased on Design Sponge.  It’s absolutely amazing.  Robbie and I will most definitely have an office done like this in our next home.

All things acorn

What his the deal with my recent obsession with all things acorn? Not sure but I seem to be drawn to anything acorn shaped. Perhaps it might be that Mazie is fascinated by these little objects from the sky or that Fall is in the air and they are everywhere. Regardless, I’m not sure what the deal is and I don’t care. I love acorns. Check out some of my latest acorn-related finds.

Sometimes you see something that makes you fall in love

How beautiful and simple are these lights?

Check them out at the new Paper N Stitch marketplace