organic

PCAGOE recently did an interview with Kate of OrganicOdysseys. Her work reminds me that there's a few experiments I want to try with plants+clay+miniwax. Especially while my bleeding heart is still in bloom. Plus it just makes my eyes happy to look at her stuff.

coolness

I want to make this, like, yesterday. Nownownow would be good too. We go through so much cereal in this house it shouldn't be hard . . .

Remember my musings about craft and faith? They're still only half-baked, but it seems someone (specifically Lorna of Lorna's Laces fame) has already addressed the issue. Now if only my library kept up with new releases in the crafting world . . .

at the arboreteum

I love the colors in this photo; it looks almost like a polaroid. I wouldn't have normally put these colors together, but now I'm seeing all sorts of possibilities in it.

cool pattern

I have a bit of an obsession lately with patterns for purses. I need to make a post collecting them; until then, this new one from Jordynn Mackenzie will have to stand alone.

upcoming

Next few project deadlines:

Mother's day (May 10)
Afghans for Afghans (May 15)
High School graduation (end of May)
Niece birthday (May 28)
Nephew birthday (June 4)
Nephew birthday (June 24)
Brother birthday (June 26)

It's nice that crafty presents are often thrifty presents, as well as being more appreciated than purchased gifts, but it takes a lot of advance planning (well, and crafty work, but that's the best part).

new blog

Well, new to me, anyway. Found Chain Creative by looking up the Italian earthquake survivor who whiled away time crocheting while waiting to be rescued. So glad she happened to have that story on her blog! It's filled with delicious looking patterns - I can't wait to really dig in.

So. Pretty.

I'm drooling. Chicki's faux jade ring is unbelievably beautiful. (the photography is stunning, too.) Originally found through CraftGossip.

takeoff

lily-of-the-valley, April 2009

unexpected

Saw this on tv this weekend - it's like jewel-toned steampunk meets the natural world. I like it.

ordinary time

some days it takes all the creativity you have to make it through the day

red mulch? seriously?

Seen today at Lowe's: people buying bag after bag of the stuff. Why? In what landscape would that be appropriate? And why not just take a shovel to - well, anywhere - instead? Just dig up some of that ubiquitous red clay and spread it over your garden if you have to have red . . . it'll be just as attractive as dyed wood chips.

springing spring springily

Our last frost date was yesterday, so it's time to get serious in the garden. Digging a trench today to put in some glads (and maybe some dahlias?) in front of the bay window. Still trying to find a spot to grow some tomatoes for Mr. E. Clearing space for a new flower bed by the back porch. Making my shopping list for this weekend's plant sales. Busy busy.

pretty

went looking for inspiration tonight, this is what I found. almost enough to motivate me out of my post-Easter slothphoric slump

only 2.5 months late

Finally got the yarn to finish my mom's teapot cozy. Whohoo! Now if I could only remember what line I was on . . .

Hoppy Easter!

Normally I'm pretty clueless when it comes to Craftster's monthly challenges, but this month I actually have an idea - inspired by Gail of "that artist woman" (which probably gives it away, but whatever). Now to actually find the time (and eggs) to do it with!

Ha!

This new blog is great - at least I know I'm not alone!

add to queue

Oh my goodness. These are fantastic. I want to make one, but I'm a little afraid of the seemingly HUGE time commitment. I mean, I'm sure that people who know their stuff could pop one out in no time, but I think this would take me years. Literally.

But they're so beautiful.

Inspirational

I think the whole world goes a little pink-mad in spring . . .

FAIL, part 3

I melted my teapot box. It was very sad.

”The seed of your next art work lies embedded in the imperfections of your current piece. Such imperfections (or mistakes, if you’re feeling particularly depressed about them today) are your guides -- valuable, reliable, objective, non-judgemental guides -- to matters you need to reconsider or develop further.” -- David Bayles and Ted Orland

Saw the above today at the ICPG. I'm starting to realize how true it is. Although, perhaps not so much in the matter of the melted teapot.

FAIL, part 2

It sucks to have a project finished - or mostly finished - only to find someone else had nearly the same idea as you. It adds insult to injury when they've accomplished it better.

On the other hand, it is very pretty. (Check out danceswithclay's etsy shop for more.) Found via Daily Art Muse.

Happy Macrame Day

The online craft community gives me the warm fuzzies sometimes. :)