make the heart sing

After so much anticipation of the flea market last week, I would like to share this framed laser-cut calligraphy piece that I ended up with, amongst other treasures.  It has a nice vintage and folk art feel to it, even though it was dated 1990.   I think the verse is quite nice, too. The color would be perfect in our dining room, but I have yet to commit to a final home for it.  Look at all that lovely detailing!  I am a sucker for tulips, hearts, and symmetry.

These are the beginning in a series of prints and projects from my new linoleum block.  They are the result of spending a full day last week listening to Paul Simon and staring at my handsome little boy.

I wasn't too excited about the way these turned out, so I simplified the background for the last two prints, abandoning the idea of a white impression. I'm not giving up on this stamp yet.  I'll post photos soon of the successful final use of this lino.

treasure finding countdown

This week is the week of my all time favorite annual church flea market. The same flea market that I find treasures at every year. Every year.  It will be ridiculously hard to top our finds from last august, but that won't stop me from trying!  I'm on the hunt for some awesome plant pots, books, baby gear, and kitschy kitchenware. This dusty miller needs a new home.

mmm monday

Enjoying being a home-keeper today; beginning another bean sprout growing process and making granola bites.  What is it about rainbow sprinkles that makes food look so much more deliciously delightful?  Oh, that's right- rainbows.  There are way too many recipes on pinterest that need to make my 'to-make' list!

gem toned

My latest work, done for a lovely woman I know from my RIT days.  She wanted some gem toned artwork done for her new home, and requested something similar in technique to what I used on Liam's baptism piece. The photo below shows a small glimpse of the process, which is a combination of watercolor, acrylic, and fabric.  I'm really pleased with the richness and texture that I can get this way, and I'm hoping to do smaller pieces for some upcoming shows.

mother nature goodness

These hydrangeas are from our garden. Seriously, fresh cut flowers have the ability to brighten the dullest of days.  Sometimes I feel that particular blooms are just begging to be brought in & cheer up our tables, mantles, and desks. I am loving the color of these ones from our backyard today. Goodness! Also below, more chalkboard signage for this (& this) wedding posted earlier.  How great are those log slices?

new jumping kicks

This week, Liam got a little blister on his toe from all the jolly jumper excitement.  Not a moment too soon, I decided he needed some shoes to wear (they will likely help him hop to unprecedented heights).  The pattern is from Twirlybird on etsy, and was so easy to follow.  I made them out of some denim I had from a pair of old jeans.  I am dying to make her hightop boot pattern, too. That little boy might need a few pairs of each!

wild, wild vacationers

We had a lovely weekend. Friday night we set off to Saratoga Springs, NY for my very good friend's bridal shower, and then onward to Old Forge, to enjoy wonderfully nostalgic porch sitting time.  I made the piece below of the couple's wedding song. It was all very fitting for their place, which used to be an old carriage house.  Adorable perfection.

I just don't know if this boy had any fun!

confetti cup success

You guys. Last night Michael and I made the most deliciously sweet and tart dessert ever. These confetti cups look and taste like pure magical goodness.  The cup is a sugar cookie and fruit loop combo, and the filling.... let's just say it involves a packet of ice blue raspberry lemonade kool-aid. I've heard it before, and I'll repeat it here: pinterest can easily ruin a waistline, but it does make for nice little cooking adventures. Do try these sometime this summer. Please.

wavily wayward

Sharing the beginning state of my latest furniture project.  I'm envisioning some selective white staining and probably some happy accidents.  Can't wait to see how this piece evolves!

 

showers & sprinkles

This was my evening snack last night. Vanilla ice cream with sprinkles will always be one of my favorite indulgences. I love when the colors start to dissolve and create rainbow swirls. Just MAGICAL.

For my cousin's fiance's bridal shower yesterday I made a custom return address stamp & a wreath with their house number on it.  I used a similar technique as my christmas ornaments from this year, except that I crocheted with jute on a masonite ring instead. It was a bit tricky since the jute has so many loose fibers, and doesn't slide easily on the hook, but I like the natural texture look much more than yarn.

 

simple summer sweetness

We had a perfect weekend 'enjoying' the 90 degree heat. We ate dinner outside, worked on some new furniture refinishing projects & watercolors, and helped Liam break in his new pool.

 

Is there anything nicer than fresh garden flowers? I am loving the mix of these textured pinks and fuchsias on our table right now.

A new piece for a couple who shot their engagement photos at an apple orchard- how fun!

 

a blessing for my son

I did this piece for Liam for his baptism a few weekends ago.  There are so many things that I hope for him for his life, and I love that this blessing sounds so infinite and tangible at the same time.  I used a combination of watercolors, acrylic, ink, and fabric on illustration board. I'm thinking this is an illustration that he can grow into just fine!

a home for our favorite reads

I came across this pin a few months ago and had to hunt down some of these Ikea spice racks to repurpose into book shelves for Liam's room. Several weeks ago we took a road trip to Cincinnati and stopped at the Ikea out there to pick some up.  To our great disappointment, they didn't have them anymore! Thankfully, a dear friend was inspired to do the same for her little girl's room, and had some extras. And thus, my pinterest project was saved!

a very mom monday

This is my plan today: enjoying the rain (from inside), reading my favorite new purchase "Mom, Inc. The essential guide to running a successful business from home" (this book is so good, there will be a post dedicated to solely this soon), and continuing with day 2 of our rice cereal adventures. Have a lovely Monday!

a very blessed weekend

Some photos from Liam's baptism and brunch last weekend. We had a beautiful day filled with loving family and thoughtful friends. All the details came together just as I'd hoped, and we ended the evening at a hot air balloon launch at Letchworth State Park. Even though they didn't fly across the gorge, it was pretty awesome to get a shot with them in the background since I had one on the invitations.  How cool was that?! We are so very lucky.

celebrating love

One of my newest wedding calligraphy jobs: navy ink on square envelopes. Love how classic these turned out! I am so unbelievably excited to see this invitation suite- the bride is featuring my calligraphy on the invite & enclosure cards alongside her bridesmaid's hydrangea pattern designed pocketfold.  I'll be sharing more photos of the ensemble after their big day.

Made this little gold doily for my parents' 30th wedding anniversary. Kudos to those two love birds for finding the secret to staying happily together for so long- they just create fun times!

Calligraphy for my talented friend Meredith's wedding, and a special envelope for the lovely bride herself.

A tea party bridal shower invite. Trying to mix things up a bit with some asymmetrically punched corners!

I'm really really pumped about etsy starting a wedding registry! I've been hoping to make some more printable invitations for my shop, and anticipate a large number of brides visiting etsy with this new feature. Getting married?  Go check it out and register for some awesome handmade items for your home!

more christening creations

My cousin's daughter was baptized last weekend & this was a small piece that I made for her.  She had a completely beautiful day.  Lately I am feeling very blessed to be surrounded by all these adorable little babies!  The doily/dresser scarf underneath was an adaption of a technique that I saw on the purlbee website.  I need to refine my process a bit, I think.  The "star of mommy's blog", himself  (found the bib at Target and couldn't resist).

Busy week getting ready for our trip to Cincinnati on thursday. More projects to post later.