Nostalgic Nosh

Dream Home Decorating

2010-07-15T09:34:00.000-07:00

Because I will be moving in less than one month's time, I have been spending too much time on design sponge, re-nest, apartment therapy etc. But isn't this home lovely?

New Business Card

2010-06-29T14:49:00.001-07:00

Welcome home!

2010-06-23T19:25:00.000-07:00

My best friend returns from France on Saturday! In order to channel my excitement, I made her 3 welcome home posters.

Craft and Bake

2010-06-22T13:35:00.000-07:00

I know I've stated it in the past but~craft nights are really my favorite kind of nights. Crafting + wine + good food = perfection. With hand ground cornmeal and ingredients already in my pantry I decided to make zaletti-Italian cornmeal cookies.When I was in NY last month, I saw Mario Batali on the streets in soho and spoke very elementary Italian with him. I found the recipe for this Venetian cookie on his website.

Ingredients

3 egg yolks
1/4 cup sugar, plus a little more for sprinkling
3/4 cup cornmeal
3/4 cup tipo 00 flour or cake flour
1 lemon, zested
1 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch salt
1/4 cup butter, melted and kept hot
1/4 cup raisins, rehydrated in warm red wine
Serving suggestion: wine for dipping or fruit jam

Directions

   
 Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
   
In a large bowl, combine the yolks and sugar and whisk well until  the mixture is yellow and creamy, about 1 minute.
   
In a separate bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, lemon zest, baking  powder, and salt and mix well. Briefly stir in the butter, then fold in  the egg yolk mixture and raisins until the dough just comes together.  Put the dough out onto a floured board briefly knead to form a  rectangle, do not overwork the dough or it will get tough.  Roll the  dough out to 1/4-inch thick and cut it into 2-inch diamonds. Butter a  cookie sheet and place the cookies on the sheet. Bake for 12 minutes, or  until golden brown and firm. Serve hot or at room temperature.

First Logo

2010-06-17T06:54:00.001-07:00

Well my first logo ever is up online {somewhat informally} but its up there.

Back to Craft

2010-06-13T17:03:00.000-07:00

So what seems like a long break from the handmade, I've returned with these locket earrings accented with lace. It felt good to be crafting again!

Recycle on the go, just for fun.

2010-06-09T07:06:00.000-07:00

Procrastination at work.

Repetition!

2010-06-03T12:44:00.000-07:00

Just decided to take a short break and experiment. Typeface: Ecolier. Kind of fun.

Just in case you need a bit of amazing in your day...

2010-06-03T06:29:00.000-07:00

Please Click.

Copious Amounts of Scones

2010-06-02T15:34:00.000-07:00

If I had an official list of my top 10 favorite things to do, making scones from scratch would be somewhere at the top.
All organic, chocolate chip and strawberry. Yum.

Publication Screen Shots out of context

2010-04-20T19:42:00.001-07:00

Random Graphic Design Experiments

2010-04-19T10:46:00.000-07:00

Random Polaroid Collage

2010-02-24T08:32:00.001-08:00

This is what I spent my time on during imaging class today. Sorry wireframing, but you will have to wait.

Mini Documentary

2010-01-26T15:28:00.000-08:00

Our first project in my graphic design studio this semester was to interview someone and find out something about them. I wanted to choose someone whose work I admired and who seemed to be "living the dream" as a surviving artist. I called Only Lauren , a local artist who has a studio at artspace in downtown Raleigh. Having met only two random occasions prior, she was more than willing to help and I was very quickly in her studio, checking out her jewelry and mixed media. Here is the result...

New Banner...

2010-01-21T22:08:00.000-08:00

I've been experimenting with a new banner for both my blog and etsy site. Here is an in process shot...

I wanted to work with soft photography and textures.

It was too busy so I decided upon something simpler...

with some advice from Alberto Rigau, I am trying to incorporate my handmade work into the computer without it being so flat. Drop shadow please - that was all it took.

Crafting Nights

2010-01-21T21:57:00.000-08:00

Crafting nights are the best nights. A successful crafting session puts me in the best mood.

Moleskine! Almost complete

Hamburgers of Chocolate and Espresso

2010-01-11T16:48:00.000-08:00

While I was in NY I picked up these little candy hamburgers at the Asian market. Pair that with a cup of homemade espresso...yum.

Shoes.

2009-12-19T12:28:00.001-08:00

Oh hello forever21. Who would have thought, only $24.Also, I've been doing some intense crafting this break. Those photos still to come...

2009-12-04T07:08:00.000-08:00

Love the work by Carleyrae Weber. Not only is she an amazing collage artist but she now lives in Italy-living the dream?

Inspiration

2009-12-02T16:53:00.000-08:00

I am blown away by these compositions by stitch draw.

This christmas break I want to explore embroidery.

It's been a while.

2009-12-02T14:30:00.000-08:00

So for the last few months I feel as though I've been unable to breathe, read, craft, or blog because my life has been consumed with and by GRAPHIC DESIGN. I did learn to screen print however.
These are glyphs from the font minion pro. My favorite.

I got to go home to Charlotte and see my best friend from high school.

Oh and thanksgiving and halloween happened, and I designed and printed two books, and two posters... the list goes on...

Letterpress

2009-09-29T15:25:00.000-07:00

One of the things I've been struggling with in graphic design this year is the loss of the handmade craft. Needless to say I was excited and re inspired when we were shown....

The Letterpress Room.

I feel at home again and am pretty sure of what direction I'd like to head in...

Calligrammes

2009-09-15T10:27:00.000-07:00

Guillaume Apollinaire worked at the same time as the futurists to "liberate words". Just some early graphic design work I found interesting.

Mushroom Prints

2009-08-30T20:50:00.000-07:00

For some time now my roommate and I have been wanting to make prints from mushroom spores. It has been raining frequently so yesterday we seized our chance! When we woke up this morning they smelled horribly so we threw them away, oops. They did make for nice composition though don't you think?

A long time coming

2009-08-30T07:21:00.000-07:00

Oh my I know it has been forever since I've posted. What you've missed is me returning safely home from Italy, visiting New York, having a birthday, moving into a new house in raleigh, and the start of classes. These are many things, and this is a weaving lab.

The Filipino Paper Lady

2009-07-17T11:19:00.000-07:00

Everyday when I walk out of my apartment, I pass a variety of small artisan shops. The flower shop, handmade paper store, fabric store, and small puppet store. Two days ago I walked into the handmade paper store and met the owner. She told me of how only 20 years ago Perugia was full of craftspeople. It was a town swarming with artists. She is closing her store in December, this town is rapidly changing.

Gli apartamenti

2009-07-15T03:25:00.001-07:00

Although quite small, I can't help but love our quaint apartment in Perugia. It's so pure and fresh with a breeze from the window and the occasional smell of italian cooking.

On the other hand, a larger sized apartment would have been nice too like some of our friends are renting.

Either way I love them both. I've said it before but this city is bellisimo.

The Fountains of Rome

2009-07-14T10:39:00.000-07:00

These fountains were scattered all over Rome. Not only were they beautiful, but they were fully functioning and I frequently used them to refill my water bottle. My only concern is that they are constantly running, are the Romans recycling that water? Probably not.

Giorno 2 di Umbria Jazz

2009-07-14T05:19:00.000-07:00

The second day of Umbria Jazz consisted of more incredible performances, equally interesting street performers, and my ever growing love for this city.

Simon and Garfunkel being played in Perugia's streets.

Pastries in a bakery window shaped as musical notes and instruments.

The Hag Coffee girls giving free samples of unfortunately DECAF coffee.

This crazy street performer who constantly spun in circles. That's it.

Umbria Jazz

2009-07-12T02:11:00.000-07:00

Friday kicked off the Umbria Jazz Festival in Peru

gia. I am fortunate enough to be able to walk 1/4 a mile out of my apartment and become instantly surrounded

by jazz. It's in the streets and at the stages, I love the energy and feel at home.

Even the Italian street artists here are loving Obama!

This is the funk off parade to kick off the festivities.

The main plaza alive with people.

Perugia Anyone?

2009-07-03T01:07:00.000-07:00

Seeing as I only have a limited amount of time to access the less than mediocre internet I have available to me right now, (borrowing from my landlady in the hall of my apartment in perugia) I am just leaving you with a few shots of some of the amazing things I have seen here.

Hai un buon giorno!

The Mountain Air

2009-06-24T07:57:00.000-07:00

So this past weekend I made it up to Blowing Rock again. It's this quaint little mountain town with hiking, a beautiful park, and the nostalgia of going there when I was a little kid. I return there for that, the scenery, and the ice cream.

A Frothy Surprise

2009-06-23T07:55:00.000-07:00

I've recently discovered and have become somewhat obsessed with throwing my cup of coffee in the blender with some ice. What results is a frothy treat topped with cinnamon. Yum...

Crafting a Cloud

2009-06-21T18:31:00.000-07:00

Wow have my posts been lacking in craft lately. This is my rendition of an idea I got from Camilla Engman's room. Of course I felt compelled to use doilies and old book pages to construct mine.

My cloud.

Camilla's cloud.

The Wackness

2009-06-18T09:21:00.000-07:00

It's very hard for me to find a movie I really enjoy, and this one did it for me.

It's the right amount of cute and the right amount of drama mixed in one. That's all you could expect for a sundance film about a teenage drug dealer dealing out of an italian ice cart.

And as a bonus, Mary-kate Olsen has a role as well.

Mountains in the Rain

2009-06-18T08:22:00.000-07:00

This past Monday I took a trip to the mountains to enjoy the beautiful nature and mountain air. Then it rained. So I did a lot of inside mountain things like eating at mellow mushroom (sun dried tomato, feta, and pesto pizza) and getting ice cream from my #3 favorite ice cream shop. Kilwins.

I did, however, manage to capture a beautiful mountain-esque window box planter picture.

My share of celebrity gossip

2009-06-15T07:30:00.000-07:00

I hope that it's ok for me to love this photo. I just can't help it.

I'm off to the mountains for the day... what a lovely way to spend a monday (:

Rave Baking

2009-06-14T15:43:00.000-07:00

It seems like I'm constantly either cooking or crafting. Recently it's been cooking. My younger sister had a "rave party" which wasn't at all a rave and the only substances consumed were sugar and butter.

I'd like to think that if there was food at a rave, it would look something like this.

Wholesome

2009-06-06T07:46:00.001-07:00

So recently I've been consuming unmeasurable amounts of ice cream, except for the fact that a quart is measurable. Anyway, I'm trying to eat only wholesome foods for this entire week with NO ice cream. It's going to be rough but my binge ice cream eating habits have gotten out of control. I'm beginning with this...

scrambled eggs with fresh tomatoes and basil with the remaining tomato on the side sprinkled with salt, pepper, and a bit of olive oil. Wish me luck.

Parasol Mag

2009-06-04T10:54:00.000-07:00

The 3rd issue of Parasol Magazine is out online, yay! It features upcoming artists, photographers and designers. Best of all it's free.

Be sure to check out issues 1 & 2 as well because they are equally incredible.

Thrift Store Finds

2009-06-03T22:09:00.000-07:00

My apologies for being so neglectful of my blog but I visited Raleigh, Chapel Hill, and Wilmington this past week and haven't been around a computer. In addition, I have no pictures to post from my travels because I regrettably left my camera in the glove compartment of my car. I have however acquired some great finds for less than $1. While in Raleigh my friend Amanda gave me this girl scout song book. Not only do I love the color scheme on the front, the inside pages will be great for collaging.

There was no reason to for me to get this small picnic basket-like purse except for the fact that I love the idea of using a picnic basket as a purse (nostalgia kicking in again).

and isn't this the most elegant beer bottle?

Playing House

2009-05-29T08:03:00.000-07:00

I love these photos of Camilla Engman's home. The design is so simple but she still has many found items laying around. The tones are warm and inviting and her dog seems to end up in every photo. :)

Painted Headboards

2009-05-22T07:25:00.000-07:00

I move into my new house on Aug. 1st and I couldn't be more ready. I want to paint a white elegant headboard on my wall.

Something to this effect but a bit more elegant.

More with this aesthetic.

Also isn't this incredible.

Heheh, I could go on forever.

Final product photos to come...

Flip Happy Crepes

2009-05-21T07:35:00.000-07:00

I remember watching the food network well over two years ago, and seeing the cutest crepe shop on Bobby Flay's "Throw down". These two women operate their crepe business out of a trailer, but how cute and delicious!

Art Nouveau

2009-05-18T15:49:00.000-07:00

Sorry I keep posting about Leaves of Grass but, this particular edition published by the Modern Library in New York, has such beautiful headings and images. Even though it was written past the movement's peak, it captures the essence of art nouveau.

Frankie Magazine

2009-05-17T18:49:00.000-07:00

I love these soft and delicate wallpapers found at Frankie Magazine. Not only are they perfect for this time of year but they make my mac that much more friendly (:

Heheh who doesn't love blythe dolls?

Moroso

2009-05-17T18:23:00.000-07:00

I love it when I find original, good, design. Here it came to me in the form of a couch by Moroso.

Gibbous

2009-05-13T21:41:00.001-07:00

I love seeing the inside of other people's studios...

I love the delicate and soft tones gibbous uses in their clothing. The nature of the stitches is reminiscent of spring long ago.

Leaves of Grass

2009-05-13T11:37:00.001-07:00

The summer is a strange time for me. I'm not accustomed to having time to myself. I'm more familiar with a busy schedule always having something to complete, or work to do. Now that I have time for reading for pleasure, I was happy to pick up Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman for just 25 cents today. Money well spent.

Mothers Day Gift

2009-05-10T19:11:00.000-07:00

Happy mothers day to all whom it may apply. My mom is one of my best friends so naturally I crafted her her gift.

I hope everyone enjoyed the beautiful day (:

IKEA

2009-05-09T20:11:00.000-07:00

So, I'm back in charlotte for the summer. I'm not so sure how I feel about it. Raleigh has had an enormous impact on me and I wasn't quite ready to leave. One great thing about charlotte though... IKEA!

I could spend an entire day there with their cute colored plates, modern style desks, and incredible eatery consisting of soft serve, warm cinnamon buns, almond cake, lox, grilled vegetables.. need I go on?

Wilmington's Fashion Scene

2009-05-04T18:39:00.000-07:00

I finally made it to Wilmington North Carolina to visit my best friend from high school who was in a fashion show. The downtown is so cute capturing the beachy essence without being too kitschy. With little vintage shops and boutiques on every corner. I'm so glad I went.

Second Etsy Sale!

2009-05-01T09:15:00.001-07:00

I finally had my second etsy sale today!

Art to Wear

2009-05-01T07:53:00.001-07:00

Thought Model

2009-04-30T09:13:00.000-07:00

As I take my final exam of the year I'm leaving you guys with my final projects in Design Thinking. My design thought model. Encausted tree branches adorned with old lace, book pages, bark and leaves. Just a few of my favorite elements to work with :)

Polaroid as a Purse?

2009-04-29T09:10:00.000-07:00

Rather than study for the math exam I have in less than an hour, I'm choosing to blog about some new finds.

I picked this up the other day for less than two dollars. It includes an old manual and some flashbulbs but no camera. I might try to sell it on etsy, it would even make a neat purse. Any thoughts?

Shakespeare into a Chair

2009-04-28T08:57:00.000-07:00

I've been neglecting this blog lately due to both exams and the incredible weather. Walks around the rose garden, cookouts, and popsicles needed to take place. Anyway, here is my final "planar" chair for my final studio project.

A Bit of the Work I've Been Doing

2009-04-24T08:24:00.000-07:00

For this past project we were instructed to build a chair with linear elements that could support two pounds. Here's the final rendition of my blossom chair. In honor of spring of course.

Detail.

We were then instructed to do the same but with planar elements and here's the first take. More photos to come...

Additional Earth Day Notes

2009-04-22T21:11:00.000-07:00

I just had to add this.

A clever someone put a square of grass in the middle of studio. Happy Earth Day everyone!

Earth

2009-04-22T08:51:00.000-07:00

This past weekend downtown Raleigh held an earth-week festival. My friend's band the Huguenots played with Violet Vector and the Lovely Lovelies, a throwback to the 60's. Their music is so free and fun while they wore adorable earth-day wreaths on their heads. Something I will soon try myself.

It was 80 degrees outside and these have to be the cutest girls I've ever seen, enjoying the music. Have a nice earth-day!

Beautiful Day

2009-04-17T11:19:00.000-07:00

Not much time for an incredible post but I just wanted to document that...

it's a beautiful day! Enjoy it. Now I'm off to studio...

Saul Steinberg

2009-04-15T08:42:00.000-07:00

These are some works I recently stumbled upon by Saul Steinberg. He illustrated for the New Yorker during the 20th century. His works are truly beautiful and I love the aesthetic he's captured. It's inspiring to see early collage, mixed media, and print works.

The whimsical Headband

2009-04-14T19:42:00.001-07:00

I found this headband on etsy. I just love the playfulness and elegance of the floating cloud. It's refreshing to see a headband that steers clear of the typical bird feathers that everyone's wearing now. I also like the backdrop of her photo, it fits the piece so nicely don't you think?

Old Houses in the Springtime

2009-04-14T16:29:00.001-07:00

What is it about the surrounding environment you grew up in that brings back such strong memories?

Cupcake Ice Cream in a Cake Cone

2009-04-12T13:15:00.000-07:00

Today marked the end of lent. My sister and I had our first ice-cream-cone's in 40 days. It was beautiful.

Design culture

2009-04-10T22:25:00.000-07:00

Once again I'm awake and resort to crafting, this time for my design culture in context class. I get to do something I enjoy, but I also get a grade for it. Isn't this what my entire semester was supposed to be like? The assignment was to create a book that showed your thought process on what "An expanding picture of design in context" was. I'll post the final product once the book is complete.

Also, I'm going to start selling switch plates on etsy. Do you think it's a good idea?

New Obsession

2009-04-08T22:15:00.000-07:00

My new obsession is Tough Love, this little boutique just on the outskirts of NC State. It's refreshing to have a bit of fashion amidst the red brick and pickup trucks.

Lost

2009-04-07T13:56:00.000-07:00

Why do I begin to close myself.

Why I am unable to let people in.

I'm aware it's happening.

I just can stop it.

I feel like I'm losing who I am.

Colors of Spring

2009-04-06T21:11:00.001-07:00

Bubble tea from Cup a Joe.

Veggie soup from Sushi Blues.

Happy flowers outside of ornamentea.

Sister Weekend

2009-04-06T20:54:00.001-07:00

So this weekend my sister came to visit me for her birthday. I pretty much ran her all over Raleigh and had a great time.

Oddities from the flea market.

Birthday Cupcakes.

You're only 16 once.

First Friday

2009-04-04T06:13:00.000-07:00

Last night was first friday and the Senior Art and Design show. It was so packed and my best friend bought my sister a birthday cake.

Welcome to Raleigh.

First Weekend in April

2009-04-03T11:33:00.000-07:00

I am incredibly excited for this weekend. Tonight is studio collective and first friday! It's also my sister's sweet sixteen, she's the girl on the swing in the post below, so she's spending the weekend with me. I'm going to expose her to the Raleigh art scene and well as design parties. I have a postcard up in

a gallery for auction and my flower chair from studio is up. It's gonna be good...

Michaela's packaged gifts

Brute model of my "Linear" flower chair made of wire and string

What a sleepless night will bring you

2009-04-01T22:51:00.001-07:00

Unable to sleep, I begin to craft...

and play with poladroid. Kind of a cheesy name but I enjoy the effects.

First Sale

2009-03-28T07:12:00.000-07:00

I sold a vintage cameo I listed on etsy. Just thought I'd share the packaging and card.

Lost

2009-03-26T18:47:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I reach a point when I begin to lose who I am and what direction I'm headed.

I'm overwhelmed and I need to snap out of it.

Photo.

Warm Photos in a Cold Environment

2009-03-26T13:14:00.000-07:00

Since I haven't posted in a day or two, I'm going to leave you with some photos I took in NY over my spring break... Warm photos in a cold environment.

Yes! Blog Award/First Etsy Sale!

2009-03-23T18:49:00.000-07:00

Today has been incredible. The sun was gleaming,

I was satisfied with my outfit ( grey v-neck te

e, skinnys, and pink mary janes), I made my first Etsy sale, my professor loved my sculpture, then I returned to my room to find I had been nominated for my first award by a witty blogger who I look up to and seems to be able to capture the fun and beauty in life. Thank you Amber!

Here are the award rules:List 7 things that you love, and then pass the award on to 7 bloggers that you love! Be sure to tag them and let them know that they have won. You can copy the picture of the award and paste it on your sideboard le

tting the whole world know...you are Kreativ!

Due to the time of the year this list may be a bit biased but here it goes...

1. Swinging.

It's beginning to get warm and sunny and perfect swinging weather. I swear it's the best natural high you can get.

2. Kombucha.

This is fermented tea I was introduced to at the Home Economist, an organic food store I worked at in high school. Not only does it make you limbs tingle but it has incredible flavor that makes you happy. Try it.

3. Being in Design School.

If I were not in graphic design, I wouldn't be majoring in anything. I get to do challenging and creative things with amazing people. We like to complain about working in the studio all the time, but we love it and have become a family.

4. Anthropologie.(This is my secret cell phone shot because they don't let you take pictures!)

I can stay in this store for hours getting design inspiration, smelling it's wonderfully scented candles, looking at housewares, cookbooks, clothes, leather purses, I could live in that store.

5. Sheep Meadow.

My favorite place on earth. This open field in central park brings me such peacefulness and it's located in the center of New York City.

6. Memories of my sister and I playing around the pond and backyard of the house I grew up in.

We used to spend hours on this bridge dropping sticks into the pond, playing with leaves, going on adventures. Your typical amazing childhood memories.

7. The locally owned Ice Cream store Carolina Cones in the town where I grew up.

This one is not biased. I love ice cream just as much in 18 degree weather, as I do in 90 degree weather. Delicious.

Ok. Blogs I love.

Also I'm not really sure why I used a Vignette for all these photos, just somethin new I'm trying I guess.

Oh craft

2009-03-21T11:47:00.001-07:00

I had a pretty incredible Friday night that consisted of crafting into the wee hours of the night, conversations with old friends, and Emiliana Torrini.

This morning I attended the Downtown Market craft show in Raleigh.. I came out of it with some treasures...

The Dandelion

2009-03-20T13:16:00.000-07:00

To me, dandelion isn't a weed. It's merely a bit of variety in a sea of green. And there is nothing wrong with an expansive field of grass, but it's always nice to find a yellow dandelion amongst the many blades of green.

Spring has arrived.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/31978812@N08/3265834165/

The lost Urban Top

2009-03-20T07:55:00.001-07:00

As insignificant as this may be, I tried this shirt on at urban outfitters about 2 weeks ago (and yes this is a dressing room cell phone pic.) and now, it's nowhere to be found! It was one of those purchases that at the time seemed like too much money.... but now all I can't get it off my mind. It's just so cute and perfect for spring.. let me know if anyone finds it...

Warmth

2009-03-18T17:41:00.001-07:00

The warmth has returned but perhaps for only a day or two, once again tricking the poor flowers into bloom. But I'll take what I can get (:

Business Card

2009-03-18T17:37:00.000-07:00

So last night I couldn't sleep and decided to, instead of wasting my time lying in bed, create my "business card".

I plan on photo-transferring it onto handmade paper but that's still to come...

My Etsy Store!

2009-03-17T20:15:00.000-07:00

After much crafting and preparation, I finally set up my Etsy store, something I've been meaning to do for months now. My need for funds became very crucial.

The Whimsical Graphic Designer

2009-03-17T12:38:00.001-07:00

Harmen Liemburg brought himself and his work to NC State Last week.

He said most of his inspiration comes from cliches found everywhere. What struck me as odd was that he doesn't create or design his own figures or forms, just combines those already in existence. It still makes for a playful composition that I am envious of.

Sabrina Ward Harrison

2009-03-12T16:03:00.000-07:00

For my design culture and context class we were instructed to write about an artist who inspires us...

In life, the optimum feeling we as humans feel is joy. To record and remember that joy as well as to convey it in new situations is an incredible and rewarding feat. To be able to do this while at the same time acknowledging our digression in society brought about by technology and wastefulness is something I strive for and respect. Sabrina Ward Harrison is an artist who works along these ideals. She reports on “the electrifying experience of being” and addresses the fading cultural landscape of our country and our interconnectedness as human beings. Through her journals and mixed media work involving photography, sound, collage, film, and found objects, she creates inspired by the beauty in the landscape and the world. She believes we need to be brought home to the presence of our living, a notion that both coincides with my ideals and invigorates my soul.

Spring has come and gone

2009-03-12T15:57:00.001-07:00

Most people discuss the weather when they have nothing to talk about. I'm discussing the weather because it effects the way I see the world. In a matter of days the weather went from 18 degrees, to 80 degrees, and back down again. Ah well, it was fun while it lasted.

The Littlest Things

2009-03-06T16:57:00.000-08:00

I've been restless lately. Unable to sleep with too many things on my mind. Today I was driving home from the mall and I caught someone's eye next to me. He smiled and waved. I waved back. It wasn't creepy, just friendly. And it's those little things that make me happy, that make life joyful. Thank you to that gentleman.

Studio

2009-02-18T19:13:00.001-08:00

http://weheartit.com/entry/392508

It seems as though with each new project we are assigned in studio, I feel more and more disconnected from who I am as a designer. I lose sight of who I am and what it is I want to do. I am looking to restore that creative urge within me.

The Resonance of Birds

2009-02-10T05:31:00.000-08:00

It's always reassuring to wake up to the sound of birds chirping, having returned from their holiday.

Art to Wear and Cupcakes

2009-02-08T19:24:00.000-08:00

So the weekend is coming to an end, but hopefully not taking the gorgeous weather with it. I need to document my incredible past 3 days. It began with art to wear on Friday...

Coral.

Waves.

Lauren Boynton the talented makeup artist and designer.

And if you think it can't get much better than being a model with the cutest designer who buys you fries afterwards- the fun continued with first friday and....

The Cupcake Shoppe off of Glenwood had a free cupcake tasting

Adorable strawberry champagne, chocolate raspberry, plain jane, chocolate truffle cupcakes, friendship, and 70 degree weather in February. Utopia.

Gift Wrapping

2009-02-04T18:17:00.000-08:00

This past Sunday was my friend Amanda's birthday, (the friend I craft with), so naturally I seized the opportunity to avoid studio work and do some handmade work of my own. I made her envelope out of old book pages and wrapped her present (vintage novels with beautiful covers) with an old bag. I embellished it with some stamps and tags from clothing. Happy Birthday!

Finding Purity in the Man-made

2009-01-29T11:03:00.000-08:00

It's not often you hear people talking about being awed at the beauty of the man-made. Maya Lin's work Rolling Hill gives me the same feelings of serenity that I revert back to nature to gain. I'm so inspired and breath taken by this work.

In Need of the Spring

2009-01-27T11:31:00.000-08:00

This past week I've found myself yearning for spring. The 41 degree temperature has started to get to me, especially when accompanied with rain. I just feel more alive in the spring, I take more walks outside, the days are longer, I'm more comfortable. It's time for a change. I'm tired of the depressive moods the winter puts me in.

Besides, it's time for a change in wardrobe. In with the flowy dresses, out with the thermals.

Evening for Tea

2009-01-25T08:53:00.003-08:00

Yesterday was beautiful. After doing homework in the daytime, I had an incredible evening filled with crafting. Its perfection was only mirrored by the delicious pot of white blueberry peach tea I shared with a friend. Crafting tea and friendship go hand in hand.

This is a metal piece I was given for free from Hello Betty, a vintage store in downtown Winston Salem.

I hope this doesn't look to sloppy, I've never worked with wire before but I'm pretty satisfied with the result.

Just a few examples of what I accomplished yesterday

Crafting this season

2009-01-24T10:02:00.000-08:00

Since I quit my little part time ice cream scooping job in the fall, I've been searching for ways to pay off all the "oh it's just one cup of coffee's" I've had. Because time doesn't allow for a scheduled job, my friend suggested turning my crafts into an Etsy store. I spent a good majority of my break crafting in the evenings. Here is a bit of what I came up with...

Vintage lace made into earrings..

A necklace made from the same lace and a metal piece I found at the Raleigh flea market..

This one's a leaf from an earring who lost its mate and some gel-medium-ed shakespeare pages..

Some dove barrettes..

Just a collection of my both made and found jewelry

Here are a few things I picked up at the flea market a couple weekends ago, soon to be turned into jewelry...

Water Nymph

2009-01-12T21:19:00.000-08:00

I am absolutely blown away by Sally Mann's photographs. They instantly revert me back to romping around the backyard on warm summer nights with my little sister.

I love their mystic quality, it's as if they're living in a fairytale.

I never thought I'd long to live in an old farm house with wide open fields, flowing brooks and mossy trees-but these photographs entice me and make me desire country life more than living in the village.

Gifts

2009-01-11T19:39:00.000-08:00

For the holidays this year I focused more on the presentation of the present, rather that the tangible present itself..

A simple candle for $1 from Walmart...

...turned into an instant christmas gift!

The Beginning

2009-01-11T12:21:00.001-08:00

I've been wanting to create a blog for some time but I felt I was unprepared. Intimidated is the term. I needed the right catchy name and enough materials and ideas to create clever posts. After debating the issue for a few months, I cannot wait any longer, there are too many ideas swarming in my head. I want to document my thoughts and ideas, and to share my inspirations. This is my attempt at a blog and I'm excited to begin.