Look what I can do

I was really inspired by this post on DesignSponge and then again from the July (I think) issue of Readymade. I took the idea of a god's eye and made a mobile for my friend's new little girl. I used rafia for the god's eye (top) and then cut the chicks out of illustration board covered in scrapbook paper. The pictures aren't the best but hopefully you can kinda tell what it looks like.

Some new pieces

I think I have failed to mention in a while that I added some new pieces to my shop. I am taking a class on metal clay (although this is the last week, boohoo!) so I've learned a few new techniques.

The origami piece is the latest. I really loved the final piece on this one. It's gotten me very interested in learning some more origami that I can apply to metal clay. I've been inspired by origami for a while now. I make origami boxes and envelopes a lot but I've never really found a use for making origami "things" like cranes and butterflies. Now maybe I have. I'm not a big fan of chotchkies that just clutter my space. I like to have a few decorative pieces that I adore to set the mood of my home but clutter makes me panic and hyperventilate. More on that later:) Alright, where was I....

Here's just a cute little one. It's entitled "you're a nut". This is one of the phrases I have adopted since having a child. Here are some more words I have added to my vocabulary in order to place words that have been temporarily withdrawn from my vocabulary:
silly, crazy, booger, lune

Oh, don't worry dear words that I love so.... I will be back someday. I'm talking to you "bastard":)

and then finally this one. The customizable dandelion necklace and it's reversible. It has a bird on the back (imagine that). I made this for a client earlier this year and really loved the way it turned out. I'm working on getting ready for the holiday season (crazy I know) and trying to add some things to my shop that are easy for men to buy. Last year a lot of my sales were to men buying for their wives. I would die if my husband went through the trouble of having a piece custom made for me. Just the thought alone is super sweet.

Did you really just say that to your 10 year old daughter!

I overheard the most upsetting conversation this morning while waiting in line at IKEA.
First, let me say that I am a firm believer that it is our responsibility as parents to teach our children how to lead a healthy lifestyle. My goal is to make all of our meals from scratch (note: I say goal...we're still working on this one) and my son and I spend a lot of time outdoors playing and hiking and swimming. I also believe that the best way to teach them is to encourage them to do the right thing, not shame them.
Well, at Ikea this morning this little 10ish year old girl bought a frozen yogurt cone (not ice cream!) and came back to wait in line with her dad.
He says: "you got an ice cream? you are going to have to go for an extra run today. You know, I'm starting to see a roll on your stomach. And your brother, he's a hog. look at him getting so fat."
The little girl was crushed! Watching her eat that frozen yogurt with tears in her eyes was one of the saddest things I have seen in a long time.

I had to just get this off my chest. I'm somewhat ashamed that I didn't say anything to the dad. I'm not a very confrontational person but I really wish I was in this situation. I think all young girls have self esteem issues with their looks around that age and he is not doing her any favors.

Maybe he could buy some pots and do some gardening with his daughter. That would teach her fun ways to get a little exercise. Breaking up rock hard dirt with a hoe is hard work:)

Love it!

Are you familiar with the work of Laura George? Her illustrations are so adorable. I originally found them while looking for a gift for my sister who is expecting a baby girl. I thought a cute print would be so fun for the nursery. Laura George's work is perfect because it isn't aimed at a kid's market so they can keep it as she gets older as well.

Days with my Father

This is some of the most touching photography I have seen in a long time. The photographer, Phillip Toledano, chronicled the days with his dad after his mom's sudden death. I'm not a fan of over sappy or staged photography so I was skeptical at first of this photo essay. But, oh my gosh, the true emotion and story being told through these photos are really touching. Thanks to Krissy at Paper Schmaper.

Marching Band

I just returned from Renegade San Francisco and OH MY GOSH! what fun. This was such a great show. I met some really wonderful sellers (like Figs and Ginger ... Twee ... ElementLux ...) and tons of great buyers. I had quite a few buyers come up and say that they are fans of my work and were so happy to be able to see it in person. Do you know what an amazing feeling that is? People know me (and like me!). Just writing about it gives me chills again. This was such a great experience and the confidence boost that I really, really needed. I hope I get to do this show again next year.

Well, there were a ton of highlights to the show, but the big one was the marching band "Mucca Pazza". They were incredible. Here's a pic:These were my travel partners:)

I love Kangaroo Paw

I love Kangaroo Paw, originally uploaded by Chocolate And Steel (Christine).

Kangaroo Paw might be my favorite plant. I don't even know if that is really the name of this plant or if I made it up.