Wise Craft

the valley of the lillies

Our neighbor left a bouquet of lillies on our front porch, picked from her beautiful garden. I decided to put them in separate vases on our mantle. Their wonderful smell fills the entire downstairs (I didn't know lillies could smell like that!). Several of you have asked about that mirror before. I thrifted it, then painted it, for Peter for Christmas the first year we were dating. So...16 years ago. I went a little nuts on the faux finishing (what? it was big then), but we still like it even now. The vases are a mixture of new Jonathan Adlers (the second from the left is an J. Adler toothbrush holder) and ones I've picked up thrifting.

Thank you all so much for the lovely comments about the quilt (and about Ian's birthday) you've left me! Brightens my day as much as these flowers.

bits of our wednesday

Today is first quiet day we've had in a while. I took the kids with me for a quick visit to our accountant's office, which meant a stop on the way home at the really large Goodwill nearby. My kids zero'd in on an electronic Battleship game, then found a treasure trove of 79 cent paperback books. I, myself was browsing through the other shelves and hit the jackpot on a back wall.

 

I have been looking for a full set of The Family Creative Workshop forever, and it seems my patience has finally paid off. For those of you who haven't discovered these, published in the 70's each volume (I believe there are 23 or 24) is full of craft ideas, covering everything from glassblowing to wire sculpture to quilting to macrame (of course) for kids and adults. I am going to have so much fun looking through these. I talked the manager into letting me have them for $1.99 each (usually $2.99 each). I actually didn't bring home every one of the volumes in the set (because, as an example, although I craft a lot, I don't plan on glassblowing any time soon). Only problem is they smell pretty bad, I don't think they have been opened and aired since the 70's! Does anyone have tips on getting rid of that musty book smell?

 

On a less-smelly subject, yesterday I got the assortment of sunny yellows and orange fabrics I ordered from Pink Chalk Fabrics. Its been a while since I bought a lot of fabric (other than the owls) and when I did the patchwork pillows I realized that my fabric purchases tend towards the greens and blues (a lot of the warmer fabrics in those pillows were actually teeny tiny swatches that just barely made a strip, its a travesty, I know). It was easy on Kathy's site to just click on the yellows and the oranges, and now I feel like I've filled out my assortment. These will probably be going into the Value Quilt that I've started (completely Katie's fault), even though I have one quilt started and another one I was going to start. But I have to admit, if you're looking for a quilt to make and enjoy, and have a stash of pretty fabric (or need an excuse to buy some), make this Value quilt. It comes together so quickly and easily, and it gives people like me a chance to use all those fancy, pretty florals that stand no chance around here on their own. It really does make a terrific light/dark pattern to use lots of different, random patterns and colors. I think this quilt will become a family room quilt, the one we use in there is actually a quilt I made pre-blog and its really embarrassing! Let's just say I had huge issues with quilt binding back in 2004.

If you drive by my house, this is what you will hear us playing right now. Off to make afternoon coffee. Happy Wednesday!

how do you spell halloween in may?

Are you guys as busy as we are? School activities really ramp up for us as the school year nears its end, and I never see this coming until its looking me square in the face, surprises me every year. This was a little respite we had after school yesterday. Playing our own casual version of Scrabble/Bananagrams/How Many Words Can you Spell?? is an easy easy game for us, no real winners or losers makes it okay for everyone. (The etsy seller I bought these from seems to not have any for sale at the moment, sadly. These letter tiles have a zillion uses!)

I have resisted thrifting for several months now, we just don't need more stuff. But Peter and I are actually doing a project involving thrifting and I needed to go (imagine!). Sometimes, I strike gold, like this pure woolen blanket, which I will clean up and store till next winter. (Maybe for my one day tiny cabin by the sea??) All the other things I found are being cleaned and introduced to my little friend, black spray paint, for-

Halloween!

No kidding! Its the Halloween show around here for the next week or so as we get ready for this client project. At least I can do it outside. Its funny how I feel more inspired by Halloween right now than I usually do in October. I don't know, I feel a Halloween party in 2009.

In the meantime, I am going to eek out some time to make some drawstring bags for the shop, and some other things. I've got some ideas inspired by the Treehouse Appreciation Society. When I pop in, I promise not to tell scary stories and yell trick or treat.

the workshop

Peter brought home this German weather house the other day and I think its my favorite of all I have.

If having three of something means you have a collection, I am most definitely covered on the weather houses and cuckoo clocks...

We are officially in gift-making mode here, so there's not much to show. But there's music! Thanks to your holiday recommendations on the last post (be sure to check out the comment section).

And new handmade ornaments made by friends waiting to go on the tree, and beautiful, cozy scarves from friends to wear around my neck (thank you Martha!)

And lastly,

Urban Craft Uprising is this weekend in Seattle. Alicia is signing copies of her book on Saturday, and then I'm stealing her away.

Have a great Friday!

new things

I hacked my IKEA desk chair before breakfast this morning...

the sun is out...

I have music on (do you have this song stuck in your head the way I do?)....

I am working on a new collection of things for the shop.  I woke up last night in a fit of inspiration, so funny how the brain works (at least mine anyway). 

All in all, a good Monday.  Hope yours is good too.

duty calls

I feel I must apologize to you, dear readers, at the obvious lack of crafting and sewing and general making around the wise craft house these days.  This would be one of those times in life where it feels like I never get time to make things, and that I may never get time again (if I'm feeling like the glass half empty type).  I do have projects started...projects I dream about...projects I plan to start...projects I'd gladly pay someone else to do if I could...all kinds, really.  Fortunately, this shift is mostly due to work that Peter and I are doing.  Our plate is full and we couldn't be happier.  Unfortunately, its seriously cutting down my time to putz around the studio.  But I really think that's a good thing, I'm really striving to create more productivity in the time I have throughout the day.  The time is there, its all in how I use it, or don't use it.  I probably putz'd way too much.

Although you better believe there is still plenty of second hand shopping, a girl can only give up so much!  I am in love with this wooden bird candleholder, actually found by Peter.  The plumage in the back is hinged and fans out.  This could be my new favorite "thing" around the house.  Now it just needs a name.  We name way more "things" than we should...

summer dresses and a good cup of coffee

There is a whole lot of cleaning and working going on around here, and not a lot of crafting.  Way overdue organizing and cleaning out type activities that are completely un-fun, but inspiring when completed, nonetheless... 

I remembered this cotton dress I bought secondhand several weeks ago.  I meant to share it because I love its simplicity and the print.

I am keeping it front and center in our closet, because I just smile when I look at it.  It makes me think of flip flops and lemonade and sunshine on my face.  Lovely thoughts to lose my head in while busying myself, organizing our lives and possessions here in this place we call home.

Peter and I are completely absorbed in rewatching Twin Peaks each night.  Its amazing that a show like this actually made it to prime time television.  Its 18 years old now you do realize don't you?  We are on season one, savoring every minute, and constantly craving a good cup of black coffee thanks to Agent Cooper.

Over at eight by eight, I am discussing more inspiration for our January theme of new, I can't wait to see our finished projects for this first month!

the sun came out today

- Bought a new (to me) original painting at the thrift store this morning for $5.00 (above on the right).  Oh how I love tree imagery.

- Making a new pillow for my computer chair, which could use a spot of color.

- Listening to this band (thank you to my niece Kate who keeps me abreast of good new music that I don't have time to find on my own).

- Thinking about inspiration for 'new' over at eightbyeight.

Have a great day!

summer camp

I bought this absolutely gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous blanket at a thrift store recently.  Its one of those finds that I sneak up and grab immediately, saying to myself I'll take it over to the corner and look it over in a minute, just in case someone walks up and says its theirs, I can play it all innocent and coy right now, like I'm doing the store a favor to take it off their hands.  (Secretly screaming!!)  I love the yellow hombre stripe, it feels very summer camp-like to me.  Its 100% wool and in immaculate condition.  And all this love for a mere $5.  I brought it home and washed it up in my favorite new detergent and dryer sheets (I'm trying to be easier on the environment, but I need that fresh laundry smell too...this is doing it for me and others I know). I wasn't sure if it would wash, but I rationalized that it wouldn't be used if it couldn't clean up well, so I threw it in on gentle.  It came out perfectly.

I've been thinking a lot about summer camp.  The idea of summer camp. Good, old fashioned, squeaky slamming screen doors and bunk beds summer camp.  Its inspiring me somehow, although I'm not quite sure how just yet.  Peter, are you reading this?  I'm thinking of a simple decor conversion at home, what do you think?  Popsicle stick lamps, camp cots with canvas covers (Courtney got me thinking about these last year and I haven't really stopped) and communal dining halls. 

The other day while I was in the studio I listened to this podcast and felt the urge to sign up for camp myself.  (I highly recommend hanging out with Ira when you are crafting, he is, as Peter and I say, the shiz-nitz.) The best part of the story was when the leaders of the colordays were chosen as their eyes were closed and a whistle was placed around their necks. They were crying, sobbing really.  I couldn't get over the emotion they were feeling, funny and poignant, all at the same time.  As I was making dinner later, I kept thinking that my kids must experience this camp-like world, they just have to, I really can't deny them.  Course, its expensive and they're too young, plus I'm going off on a tangent like I usually do.  (For now, their summer slamming screen door will have to be the one on their backyard playhouse, above.)

Course, my dream summer camp would be filled with glorious flowers by my bed (my comfy bed, not a cot), good food and wine on the patio. Although I do like the communal dining hall idea.

happy friday and here's hoping for a s l o w weekend...

I didn't mean to be post-less most of the week, but the end-of-school-year wind down has kept us even busier than I planned.  One week to go!  At least all the hard work I put in last weekend in the garden  is something nice to come home to, when we finally all flop down for a breather.  I planted a few tomatoes, some basil, one pumpkin plant (as an experiment, its right smack dab in the middle of my flower bed, so it should be interesting).  "Patio, this weekend, its you and me, a good coffee, and a new magazine..."

And look!  The first peony in my yard!  OK, well, actually to reveal the whole story, I planted this bush last weekend and this flower was already on it.  But can it kinda count??

Inside the studio, I am sorting through these old patchwork pieces that seem to have been on their way to being a 6 pointed star pattern of some sort.  I bought them second hand, not sure what to do with them, there seems to be only enough for five stars.  The fabrics are all done in beautiful silks, old ties perhaps?  I'm playing around with them, who knows what they'll become.  Any ideas?

I'm working on that summer list, it's growing by the minute.

I miss you guys, I really do.  Life will be much calmer in another week.

Off to make Peter's Father's day gift.