frida diy kit: a giveaway!

 I'm always excited to hear from my friend Erika, of Mikodesign. She knows just how much I love her distinct style and the way she infuses her daughters' lives with outrageous creativity. You might remember all of the fun we had with her Parisian doll kit a few years ago, blogged here. When she recently asked if we wanted to try our hand at her Frida doll kit, I was thrilled. I know from experience, that every Mikodesign kit is beautifully packaged, thoughtfully crafted and super easy to put together. What a perfect project to share with my little girl.

The big bonus was how organically it lent itself to a lesson in Mexican art history and culture. I've been a Frida Kahlo fan since I was in high school and have been lucky enough to visit her home (now a museum) in Coyoacán. What a fascinating conversation my daughter and I had as we looked at images of Frida and her art! And now she has another handmade doll to add to her collection- one who brings to life an inspiring and powerful woman. Thank you Erika! 

 Mikodesign originates from Holland, so along with all of the very traditional Mexican details (like a rebozo!), this Frida has a little taste of the Nederlands that I love.

There are a few fun little accessories that come with the kit that we haven't even gotten to, yet. Here's the complete list of the set:

 a piece of fabric to make your own Frida doll, skirt, scarf, big Frida heart, two birds, 1 big Frida Medaillion and one small Frida medailion and two birds.

 In addition, Erika has come up with some wonderful additional kits, like this craft panel in the background, which has everything from a needle case to a lovely banner.

 So, I know that you're excited to make your own Frida doll! Stitch one for yourself (she's fit for a grown up, no doubt!) or for a little person in your life!

Erika is generously offering a Frida diy doll kit to one of you and will ship anywhere. Please leave your name and contact info in this post between now and Sunday at 5pm EST. A randomly selected winner will be announced on Monday morning. Buena suerte (good luck)!

birth day

Hello! How are you? I bet you've been busy... eating up life, working hard, finding moments for play, wondering where the time goes. Me too. Each day turned to night in the blink of an eye since we last visited together. On Friday, I lovingly handed over the very last of the projects of my upcoming book (April 2012). The surreal feeling of having completed this chunk of such a huge endeavor has not left me since I pushed the send button. It only intensified as we (my family and photographer) wrapped up the very final photo shoot on Sunday and Monday. I know the details have been so vague, but one day soon I'll be able to share it all with you, and in preparation for that moment I've documented the back story quite thoroughly. The amount of time, energy and love that is going into this project has often overwhelmed me. And there's still more.  I will be writing and editing during the rest of the summer, but yesterday I stood still!  I breathed. I slowed. I looked at my family deeply. I indulged in decadent food. I said yes to pampering with a massage and facial.  I went to sleep early and even slept in (a tiny bit!). Yesterday I turned 42. Reflection is a natural part of every birthday, but in the midst of so much business, this sudden halt caused me to peer even deeper. When I look back on the chapters of my life leading up to now, they read like a worn and familiar book. Some pages are ripped and tattered, others dog eared to return to frequently for laughter, inspiration or a reminder to not repeat that cycle again.

Our stories shape us as much as we shape them. Stepping into this new year, I feel a strength I've never known before. Wise women, who have walked this path before me, have whispered of the power that comes only with years. They've spoken of the permission to step into yourself fully and not waste a single minute on trying to be any. one. else. An invitation is offered... to give birth to one's self.

The calendar already has some pretty phenomenal dates penciled in for this new year. Oh yes! I intend to greet them with the very best of me, and look forward to sharing them with all of you! Here's to a new year. A new chapter!

all photos courtesy of my iphone, yet again!

good mail!

Happiness has been arriving in my mail box! It began with the new guillerminas I purchased from lepiedleger. They're a  little early present for my summer birthday.  I can't remember the last time I bought myself a new pair of sandals! These are more comfortable and beautiful than I could have imagined. I've worn this style of shoe off and on for years, so I'm used to the business of laces, but these have a special little button on the heel to wrap the lace around and give you additional support... ingenious use of a simple notion. Did I mention that each pair is custom made for the wearer by hand! Julie (the designer) is totally amazing and has lots of different styles to choose from, plus she she's lovely to work with.

Also delivered by my friendly mail carrier: the latest issue of Stampington's Where Women Create! I feel so fortunate to have been invited to contribute to another one of Stampington and Company's wonderful publications. They are true champions of the art community, seeking out and promoting creativity with the kindest staff of editors. I wrote an article for their regular feature: She Remembers... about a transformative moment in my artistic development 18 years ago. It's quite a special memory to me and a bit surreal to see it in print, along with some photos of my workroom. Nothing like exposing yourself to make you feel vulnerable... and to accelerate growth, right?

 My studio... craft room... creative space is in this gorgeous magazine along side some awfully fancy art rooms from some extraordinary women. I'm not just feeling grateful and humbled, I'm feeling inspired to tidy mine up! I've only shown you glimpses of it. Compared to most of our house, it's a bit cluttered full. I'm excited to channel some of my spring cleaning mania into this room that I spend so much time in. Do you have a special room/corner/nook that you create in? How do you keep it organized? I'd love to know!

I won too!

Good morning! Hope you each have a lovely weekend ahead of you. I will be sending a bucket and banner to:

Suki said...

This is always such a lovely spot check in on!
My fingers are crossed, and also my toes!

Please get in touch with me via e-mail with your address and customization ideas.

Thank you all for your beautiful comments. I spent the week reading and rereading each of them. Your words really mean so much to me. They lift me, fill me and keep me inspired. I felt like I was the true winner in the give-away. It makes me wish I had a little shop filled with magical elves to make buckets for everyone.

The above photo is from a little elf in the South of France who showered me with gifts recently. Of course, she's not really an elf, but a lovely friend, mother, and maker of beautiful things: Sonia of Cozy Homemaking. We had a little swap going on and when her box arrived it felt like a holiday for my family and me. Look at the abundance of beautifully wrapped little packages she spoiled us with!

There were little gifts for everyone and I don't have words to express my gratitude for her thoughtfulness and generosity. Sonia's spirit and creativity are little bits of light for me... and many others everyday.

Even though she's on a mini-break, there's plenty to enjoy if you give her a visit and her shop is stocked with simply beautiful and cozy items. Don't you love introducing your friends to one another?

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p.s. There was even more to the package that didn't make it into the photo: delicious organic chocolate doesn't last long around here. A matching wooden propeller for my daughter that was in use as soon as I tried to arrange the photo shoot. Yes,more... and even a gorgeous French children's book that was at our bedside and I forgot to include it. At least you know everything is completely loved, Sonia! Thank you deeply!

random acts of crafty kindness

There has been a lot of love coming my way this birthday summer, some of it from wonderful fellow bloggers. I can't tell you how much this has moved me. I've even coined a little term for it as I talk about it with my husband. We've been calling it random acts of crafty kindness. I wanted to share some of the beauty that has appeared in my mailbox and point you in the direction of three very talented and generous friends. You may already know them... either way, go say "hi" if you have a moment. First up is Melissa from Tiny Happy. She has just returned to her home in New Zealand and sent me the above delicious package... just because! Just because she's wonderful! We share a similar love for simplicity, and she knew exactly how much I would appreciate her little treasures of thrifted goodness. That thick linen/burlap fabric is calling to me for something special. I had commented about it after she had discovered it at a flea market months and months ago. What overwhelming thoughtfulness to remember! Thank you, Melissa! x0

Next up is Margie, of Resurrection Fern. She sent me a birthday package that included such delicate beauty and even some treasures to share with my children (who met her last spring and adore her!). Inside that pretty little package of spoonflower fabric (a Margie and Geninne collaboration) was one of my favorite crocheted stones! You remembered, Margie. Thank you! xo
That sweet little woodland softie is a pocket friend my daughter and I like to share on walks... although it's been known to hide under her pillow at nap time.
The two pendants: a crocheted snail shell/ flower vessel and the beaded feather have both found happy places around all of our necks at different times throughout the summer. My son was very proud to wear that feather to his wilderness camp. Thanks from all of us!And then there is Julie, of el mundo de Julie en el mundo. We have been writing back and forth through e-mail since my blogging beginnings. I think of her as my rainbow half. Her vibrant, Argentinian home and creations always make me happy. She dares to use colors in ways I can only dream of. Julie quieted her usual palette long enough to make me a beautiful custom pair of natural linen Thai fisherman pants... just like her children's style. As a gift, she embroidered a surprise for me... I had discovered Julie through her embroidery so this was especially sweet and meaningful. Our cat, Hickory, appreciates lovely stitches, too. He couldn't stay away... I seriously took half a dozen shots before I realized it was time to include him! Julie and I have daughters the same age... and she couldn't resist tucking a rainbow in the mail for my girl! This picture is for you, Julie! She wears her hand-knit rainbow, EVERYWHERE.

( Incidentally, those fave boots are another random act of kindness... from Karen. See this post. )
What amazing women they each are!
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There are so many incredible connections we all are making using our computers. Reaching out beyond the screen, to send a little handmade surprise to one of our on-line friends, transcends the virtual relationship and makes it real... makes it tangible in new way. I'm hoping you'll join me in sending out your own random act of crafty kindness. I already know where my next bit of "love in the mail" will go... do you? I bet someone jumped into your mind right away that you'd enjoy surprising with a handmade gift. Go to it! Let's continue to bring the online craft revolution into our homes... but not just through the screen... lets fill up real mailboxes! I'm starting a flickr group called: well, what else... Random Acts of Crafty Kindness. Let's share what we're giving and receiving and celebrate these relationships!

greencraft!

I had such a wonderful surprise in my mailbox: the premier edition of GreenCraft! It's Stampington's newest publication and my absolute favorite. Even if I didn't have my very own feature in it, I would consider it to be a new favorite magazine. When GreenCraft's lovely editor first contacted me, I was almost as excited about the concept as I was about being published in it. My love for recycled newspapers has a beautiful spread and I'm absolutely thrilled!

If you're familiar with any of Stampingon's other magazines, you know they are really more like beautiful art books. This magazine is no different, except in GreenCraft almost every ingenious project has the instructions to go with them. Eco-art at its very best! Lots of new twists to transforming everything from vintage pieces to rescuing materials from your recycling bins. And of course, some good coffeesack ideas are included... because we all know how incredible burlap is! I love that it's on the cover! Not my apron, but so happy to see it front row and center! There is enough gorgeous upcyling to make me swoon! Serious green bliss... I haven't been asked to promote like this... just can't help it. Taking a deep breath now... and smiling wide. Talk about a sweet birthday present!

giving

Your comments this week have meant so much to me. The creative blogging community is so powerful, and the web of support and friendship that has been woven into my daily life continues to take my breath away. This is definitely the case with my sweet friend Karen, of Bee-lieve. We "met" via blog give-aways (both hers and mine), and I instantly knew there was a soul connection. We've had our share of sweet e-mails, but we've also gone one step further and exchanged gift packages in the mail. Karen, so generously picked my girl to be the recipient of her daughter's most beautiful out-growns. Karen's daughter is a year and a half older than mine. It's like having a clothing fairy! We are so lucky to have a couple of clothing fairies in our life. You may have one, too. That special mama with that shares the absolute favorites with your children. This magic of sharing/gifting transcends the clothing to something more... a connection to a big friend. A tangible link to another family. These are my daughters favorite kinds of clothes. This experience is teaching her how to become a clothing fairy, herself. Whenever her very favorite dresses get a bit too tight, she instantly declares them "ready for T.", her two year old buddy. When we befriended a mother to a one year old, my daughter decided to add her to her giving list. I'm sending a big thank you to everyone out there that teaches children about the act of giving through their own generosity.
In response to such kindness, I always want to make a thank you. Big surprise! The above photo is of a lavender sachet stamped with my new hand carved stamp, Miss Blue Bee. It was part of the very belated (some things take time...) package I sent to Karen last week, who has a special love for bees... especially when they're blue! I had so much fun stamping everything in sight. To peek in the box, go give her a visit.

"It is only in the giving of oneself, that we truly live." -Ethel Percy Andrus

inspiration

Margie Oomen, goes by many names: Resurrection Fern, Knitalatte, snail advocate, doctor, crafter. I think of her most as a dear friend and a brillant nature/environmental artist. She merges ancient hand crafts, modern art, and the natural world into one form. I look forward to Margie's gorgeous photos on flickr. I read her daily bits of wisdom and find infinite creative inspiration on her blog. Recently, I had the thrill of purchasing some of her beautiful work from her new shop. I wanted to share some images of her three pieces that are very happy in their new home with me. The above photo is of one of her crocheted snails traveling from her snowy home to mine. :)

This next photo is of a matryoshka stone that was first felted and then delicately crocheted, leaving an opening to see the stone within. I loved it from the moment I saw it and set my timer for her first sale, in hopes that I could hold it in my hands.

Her crocheted acorn necklace dancing in my Magnolia tree...


Look how perfectly they fit into my spot for special pieces. Margie has been so supportive of my journey from the early days of blogging (way back in the spring of last year), and had some questions for me about my process. You can find read my answers/ interview over at Resurrection Fern today. I feel quite honored to be part of her Inspiration Week, where she interviews an incredible line-up of fellow bloggers each day. Thank you so much, Margie for including me! What a great way to start a new year... a little inspiration can set the stage for new dreams, first steps, and fresh starts! Happiness to you all in 2009!

making mail fun!

Thanks so much for making my jump into the "selling" world so much fun. Your warm wishes on Friday made me happy all weekend long. I'm also feeling excited that I had my first couple of sales and even ran out of little toadstool pincushions. I only had made three, but "selling out" sounds so cool, doesn't it!? I just made two more and they'll be available tomorrow with a couple more items...
Sending off my little packages is totally exciting... I feel like an elf in my shop these days, and want to make everything, including my envelopes. I guess that's not really anything new for me. I thought I'd share this idea with you because the upcoming holidays means that just about everyone will be making more trips to the post office. I made my own sturdy over-sized envelopes out of paper bags.
First, I used a manila envelope as my template.


Second, I zigzaged around three sides with my sewing machine.
Third, I folded over top and tape with clear packaging tape. Ready for addressing. Easy!


These are perfect for a little soft item... like a pin cushion! Is this a time efficient way to package large orders? Nope! Right now, it's a wonderful way for me to personalize each shipment, and you might like to do this for a friend or family member's upcoming gift.

Before I forget, I love shipping internationally and now have officially (on my Etsy page) invited overseas buyers to convo me for shipping rates. See you tomorrow!

lovely mail

Oh, how I love to get mail! It's my son's job to check our box when he gets off the bus and rarely does he say the magic words, "it's for you!" I heard them THREE times last week...well, the third time was actually, " for you...AGAIN!" I have been madly putting energy into everyone and everything but myself recently, some treats were a good idea. I had never made a single Etsy purchase and it seemed like a good time to try it out...ooooh...now I understand how hard it will be to resist more "treats"! It was too easy. A little disclaimer first..I don't buy new things very often, if I do it's for someone else, or maybe a book that I couldn't get at the library. Oh listen to me...I sound so defensive...am I really trying to justify the wonderful act of supporting fellow artists and beautifying my space? "What did you get, already!" you ask? Gorgeous images... created by three incredible woman I adore. I will put them up in my studio and surround myself with inspiration without having to click on the computer. I click on to stay connected and also to plug into the vast energy of so many creative minds. I think having a tangible part of some of the people I admire and love on my walls will enhance my work and help wean me from the constant plugging in to the screen...which will give me more time for my own work. That's the plan anyway. Not that I will post less, just not get so lost in my journeys from one lovely blog to another... I know you can relate!
So here are my first prints by these beautiful woman:

Mrs. French's (bliss) Little Moon

I feel so fortunate to be blog and flickr friends with someone so kind, gracious, and inspiring. I absolutely love everything she's doing... her eye for beauty can be found in each photo she takes. She only opened her Etsy shop a couple of weeks ago, but a huge flurry of attention has been paid to her by many new fans. It's incredibly joyful to watch someone you care about exploding with success by doing something they love so much. Gives me goosebumps! There's also is a little voice inside of me that keeps saying...to the rhythm of the The Little Engine That Could: "I knew she was special...I knew she was good...."! Also check her Monday "I heart" posts (on her blog) ... they're always filled with delicious finds for great window shopping from your seat.
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Helen's (Zuk Zuk) Jelly Bean Birds and Martin's Chair


I can's say enough about this tremendous woman...she funny, bright, and oh sooo talented! Her use of color just fills me up. I love each and every print she makes...you must stop by her shop, these pictures don't capture her work at all! I have to tell you that Martin's chair was completed during the same week that I did my chair re-do...there is a little story that goes with this print here...I realized I was Martin(with a garage filled with old chairs!) and knew instantly he had to come home with me. When I first discovered ZukZuk, months ago, she was having a give-away with one of her Jelly Bean Birds prints. I didn't win, but Helen magically knewof my huge disappointment (be aware of the comment trails that you leave) , and crazy generous woman that she is... tucked the print in behind Martin's Chair. I was so dumbfounded upon opening my package, that I checked my pay pal invoice twice to make sure I hadn't bought it without realizing it...I mean I knew I loved it, maybe I had! No, Helen is just extremely generous, sensitive and good at making people cry over their mail.
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Elsita's Within Reach

I learned about Elsita early on in my short blogging career. When I first poured through her blog, and learned who she is, what she's been through, and where she's going ...I knew I'd found my hero. Elsita's voice is filled with an unsurpassed warmth and openness that makes each reader feel like they are her new lifelong friend...and they are...she is so genuine and real that each post she writes makes me catch my breath...or I find myself putting my hand to my heart...she's just sooo good. And her ART, well I've never seen more abundant beauty in my life. She explains her motivation and intentions behind individual pieces and generously shares her techniques. How to choose just one little bit of Elsita for my studio? There are so many diverse choices, and if you go to her shop, you'll see just how prolific she is. Actually, this print spoke to me right away and I never wavered. It's a perfect representation of how I would like to feel about myself...how I hope we all can work towards feeling about ourselves. Everything we desire and need is within our self...and WITHIN REACH!
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Here's to talented and creative women everywhere!! I know all of you readers are gloriously talented, too...and if YOU don't know it, yet...let's remember together, that it is
within reach...really!