Lessons from a Painter's Studio

I recently picked up Pottery Barn Workspaces on sale at my local bookstore. It's a great book, full of inspiration. There are lots of artistic workspaces, and lots of different furnishings are used - not just things from Pottery Barn. Which is good, because there isn't one within a zillion miles from here. My favorite room in the whole book is in a section titled "Lessons from a Painter's Studio."
It's an amazing, light filled studio which is perfectly furnished and organized. Above is a detail shot of the worktable and all the artist's tools in an "old school" toolbox.

One of my favorite things is this work island in the middle of the studio. There is so much workspace on top, and so much storage underneath. The height is perfect for standing, or sitting on a stool.

This desk would be a great secondary workspace - I love the way that the top is clear so that you could store your supplies and inspiring images below, and have the whole top free for work.

My most favorite thing are these flat files. I dream of having flat files in my studio. I guess the reason that I'm revisiting this book now is that we are finally (!) going to begin work on my new space. Some of the inspiration is coming from this room and this book - and I will have flat paper storage! I really can't wait. Stay tuned for some photos in early - mid May.

Extreme Makeover, Puppy Edition

On the urging of the vet, I took Milo for a haircut. I was a bit reluctant, because I didn't want him to loose his "puppy" look yet - but I think the hair cut is great. It's still nice and puppyish, but now I can see his eyes. Actually, it's a little like a doggie version of the mullet - short and spiky on top and long in the back.

Shopping and Swapping

The weather has been miserable here the last couple of days, and so have I. I have had a terrible headache - but it's not all bad - being indoors has let me catch up on my blog reading, internet shopping and completing my vintage button swap package. That's a photo of the package going to Joan of roseandpie - hope she likes what's inside! The little suitcase that the package is sitting on is my husband's old school case from kindergarten. There is a little sticker inside that says "C'mon Aussie." It's very cute. But - I digress - I've finished telling you about the swapping part of my day - now the shopping part.

I'm quite excited to tell you that I've ordered a print gocco (!) from etsy seller felt cafe. As well as goccos and supplies, she sells her own wonderful felt creations and also Japanese craft books. It was all I could do not to order the book on needle felting featuring dogs. So cute! I am planning to make some cards and hope that the gocco will arrive from Japan in time for my holiday in a couple of weeks so that I can have a good play with it.

I also finally ordered a few books on Amazon that I've had my eye on for some time. And, I pre-ordered the new Feist (!) album. I love Feist, and I'm very excited that her new record is coming out. I saw her live last year, and she did a few songs that she was working on - absolutely amazing. I can't say enough about Feist and how much I love her - I think that she is a true artist. The album is released on May 1st - how many sleeps away is that?

This is what happened....

...this weekend and this week...

...I cut up lots of Japanese paper and made some books...I made hot cross buns from Austen's recipe (they were yummy - thanks Austen)...there was a giant snowstorm...I went to work...

...yeah, I know it's pretty dull...even Milo was bored.

Buttons

I'm participating in the Shim + Sons Vintage Button Swap. I have resisted a lot of cool swaps lately because I don't have the time to shop and put things together, but I couldn't resist this one. I have a load of buttons in my house - the photo above is only a small sample of what I have. I got the buttons through an inheiritance - two older women that my mom knew passed on, and she got their buttons. Then, she gave the buttons to me. I'll say again - there are a lot of buttons. These women were raised in the depression, when everything was saved. If they discarded a worn shirt or jacket, they would cut the buttons off first. I am the lucky beneficiary of this thrift - to the tune of a few big jars and tubs full of buttons. Sometimes, I feel guilty about having all the buttons and not using them for something. But, maybe the best thing is to have a collection and appreciate their utilitarian beauty. At times, I will need one or two buttons for a project, or to replace the horrible button on a thrifted jacket. I love to pour the jars of buttons out on the floor and pick through them, discovering new treasures.

Sorry, I've just gone into this total blabbery stream of conciousness about buttons when I could have just said - "I like buttons - a lot."

Pantry Pasta

Two posts in one day - must be a record! After eating a yummy dinner of what I like to call "pantry pasta" I was inspired to post about it. A pantry pasta is one that you put together on the fly, with stuff you have lying around. Tonight, my pantry pasta included goat's cheese, walnuts, olives, lemon, mayo, tuna, red onion, sundried tomatoes and dried herbs, with a bit of parmesan grated on top for good measure. I don't cook the sauce, I just add it to the warm pasta with a bit of the cooking water and heat slightly. Don't ask me about the quantities, because I just chuck everything together willy-nilly.

Another great pantry pasta is the one pictured above by Jamie Oliver. It's simply linguine with lemon, olive oil and parmesan. Simply delicious! And there are so many variations, you can add herbs, artichokes and veggies. Jamie Oliver makes lots of wonderful pastas - there are a few recipes on his site, and his books are highly recommended.

My other pantry pasta idol is Donna Hay. She has loads of delicious and simple recipes in her magazine, and her book "Off the Shelf." Of all the cookbooks I own (and I own a lot), that's the one I refer to the most. And, all of her publications have beautiful photography and styling.

So, the next time you think that you have nothing to eat, have a closer look in your pantry - you could have the ingredients for an unexpectedly lovely pasta!

Long time, no post

It's been a little while since I posted. Things have been a bit crazy busy around here with book orders and Milo. Also, our phone/internet was disconnected for a few days when techincians cut our lines. Anyhow, a quick recap of the weekend - even though it's Thursday already! It was 13 and sunny on Friday, so we took Milo for a walk in the park. He was so happy and excited - it was probably the warmest it's been in all of his little life.
On Saturday, we left the little guy at home. After supervising a container shipment of craft supplies for Double Happiness (not really, but I love the colours and the juxtaposition of the industrial ship and the old wooden wharf).....we went out for coffee and delicious cupcakes. Not only was my lilac and chocolate cupcake beautiful, but it was also extremely tasty.
Finally, Milo got a new jacket. He doesn't mind wearing it, and it keeps him toasty on the chilly mornings (and afternoons, and evenings) that we're still having. And now, it's nearly the weekend again. Have a great one!

Inspiring images from Marie Claire Idees

A few months back, Marieke of Treats and Treasures kindly introduced me to Marie Claire Idees - a lovely craft magazine out of France. I thought I couldn't get it here, but then happily stumbled upon it in the French section of my local newsagents. I now have them reserve a copy for me each month, and I find so many great things - it's quickly becoming my favorite magazine. For example - check out the image above from this month's issue. What a great craft space, complete with those lovely jam jars with checkered tops used as storage.

Continuing my obsession with organization and craft storage, have a look at the image above. I think it's an amazing idea to incorporate storage into a room divider - could be a great solution for someone who doesn't have a dedicated craft room. Also great for storing home office supplies or creating a reading nook - magazines could be stored in the pockets.

I also have an obsession with trees and cherry blossoms, so I think this project is great. I am thinking of working something similar into my next craft display booth. I also just love the styling of this image - it really says something about the French lifestyle to have such a beautiful and whimsical piece in a utilitarian place like the laundry room. But, a lovely laundry room it is - I imagine that jug on the floor is filled with lavender scented water for the iron - almost makes me want to do housework. But not quite.

Finally - this is my favorite image. I love the muted yellow colours - perfect for Spring. I also love this project - I have been wanting to replace the shade of the light in my front hall for ages, but couldn't find anything to fit the existing fixture. I think that a beaded shade will look perfect there - and I can make it fit perfectly. Even if it turns out a bit wonky, that's all part of the charm.

Marie Claire Idees is great - there are so many more images I'd like to share with you. I want to make so many projects from this issue - there is inspiration on every page. The magazine includes instructions for each of the projects pictured above. All are written in french, but even I can pretty much follow them with my rudimentary skills. Now, all I need is more time to craft!

Martha + Craft Storage = Yay!

I just heard that Martha Stewart is releasing a line of craft storage and organizational products to be sold at Michaels and I have one thing to say - yay! Her ideas and projects - like the ribbon organizer in progress above - are so fantastic, I'm really looking forward to seeing these new products, which I think will hit the shelves in April/May. Apparently, she is also releasing a paper craft line at the same time. Again - yay!

I feel amazed...

Via Cool Hunting, I came across a site called "We feel fine" by Jonathan Harris. It's absolutely amazing - it searches blog posts from around the world for the words "I feel" and then takes the results and sorts them in wonderful ways. It's hard to explain - I guess I would say it's like a snapshot of the blogosphere as it relates to our humanity. It's great, and very addictive - I would definitely recommend checking it out.

Library Thing

I was looking for a widget to display the books I'm reading in my sidebar, and I stumbled across a site called "Library Thing." It's a site where you can catalogue your library of books, get suggestions on new reads and create a lovely widget like the one you see in my sidebar. I know that you can do some of the same things with Amazon, but sometimes it's nice to have a non-commercial reference source.

I'm actually thinking of doing an Amazon order soon. I want to get a few things I've had my eye on for a while, like Flea Market Style, Simple Sewing with a French Twist, Japanese Bookbinding and - as if that's not enough! - a fiction book, but I'm not sure which one. With all the suggestions from Amazon and Library Thing, I'm a bit overwhelmed. Any one out there have any ideas?

Days and Nights

I've spent my days this week on the upper campus of the university, taking some computer courses. I actually love working on the University campus - it's got so much more life and soul than an office tower.
I like the old buildings, and the character and texture of the bricks. The blue sky and sun we had earlier this week helped my mood, thank goodness for the beginnings of spring.
Nighttime is puppy time - I can't wait to get home to this little guy every night. I am so glad that the weekend is coming - the days will be busy with walks, errands and crafting, the nights with relaxation and fun. TGIF to all!

Dog Judo

Ok, this is the last of my dog-centric posts - for a little bit anyhow. I just had to share this funny site called "Dog Judo." It's been around for a while, but never fails to make me laugh. It's two dogs who, well...do judo. They also read the morning papers, go on "powerdates" and all in these really great English accents. Martin pointed out last night that Rexley, the mean little black dog, looks a lot like Milo. Anyhow, if you're looking for a silly laugh, check out Dog Judo. You won't be sorry.

I broke a promise...

To myself, and to my dog. Milo, I am so sorry that I made you wear that little red jacket. But, you were shivering everytime we went outside. But, you obviously hate this - so back to the shop it goes. I promised myself when I got you, that I wouldn't be one of those people who dresses their dog up in little outfits, but I couldn't resist. I think that I am well on my way to becoming a "crazy dog lady." But, I promise not to put bows in your hair - honest. Well, not 'til summer anyhow....

Henhouse in "Style at Home"

I have mentioned "Henhouse" a number of times in my blog. They are my favorite shop here in Halifax, and they carry my books. They were my favorite place even before they carried my work though! The shop is a treasure trove of wonderful items, from whimsical little accessories, to Eastern European antiques to custom furniture. The owners, Sappho and Denise, are amazing and supportive - as are their staff. Henhouse was featured in "Style at Home" this month and Sappho is interviewed on the website. So, if you're in the area - check out the shop. And if you're not, check out the website and the magazine. You'll be inspired!

Milo

I haven't posted in ages, but this time, I have an excuse. His name is Milo, and he is a terrier poodle cross. After wanting a dog for ages - it was my dream to get a dog when I owned my own house - and convincing Martin that it was a good thing to do, I found Milo on the internet, and went to meet him on Friday. It was love at first sight - on my part anyhow - and he must have thought I was okay too because he licked me. It's been a tough few days though - Milo got sick on Saturday, and we ended up in the emergency animal clinic with him wrapped up in a blanket, limp and shivering. He spent the night there on an IV, and now he's on the mend - turns out it was a mild virus brought on by the stress of all the changes in his little life. I know he's feeling better because he even chased a cat yesterday!

Despite all the frustrations of housetraining in below freezing temperatures, and the way he cries each night when we put him in his bed, I've already developed quite a bond with this little guy. Every night when I come home, we head up to my studio and he sits on a blanket and just watches me work. I'm looking forward to a lot of nice times with Milo, and I'm sure that you'll be hearing about all his antics (ad nauseum!) here in the future. He's curled up sleeping beside me as I type this and looking extremely cute.

Boney Maroney

My mom always used to sing that song to me when I was a kid -

"I know a gal named Boney Maroney,
she's as skinny as a stick of macaroni,
But I love her, and she loves me,
Oh how happy we will be!"

It explains a lot about how my mind has been warped toward a love of corny jokes and puns, and also provides a tenuous link to a post about my new teflon bone folder from Paper Source. When I first began using it, I wasn't sure about it. I tend to use my bone folder for everything from folding, to smoothing paper, to flattening brads - and for some of these jobs, it's just too soft. Well, it's really just too soft for flattening brads - but it works like a dream for folding paper, and smoothing down freshly glued covers and endpapers. The main selling point is that it never leaves a shiny mark - on anything.

Having different bonefolders for different tasks is cool though - one of my bookbinding teachers had a whole arsenal of bonefolders. He even would carve them into different shapes for different tasks. He was a bit of an expert in bookbinding tools, and gave me a great tip - soak your bonefolders in oil to clean and refresh them. It really works well.

In conclusion - I would recommend adding a teflon bone folder to your bookbinding arsenal. No more shine marks!

Textile Type

I just discovered that there is a textile font on Word 2003. Great for anyone who knits or sews and wants to print up little tags, or for nerds like me who like to know you have a little black sheep at your disposal - just in case.

Gnomes make me happy...

I'm not sure if it was Amelie, but I've been digging gnomes lately. So, when I saw this shirt made by Shona at lala dex press - I had to have it! It arrived the other night and I am so pleased, the shirt is even nicer than anticipated- the colours are so vibrant and the fabric is so lovely and soft. And that gnome print - so cute! I've mentioned Shona's work here before, and said that I liked her "sparkle monkey" design, and sweet Shona remembered and included this package of cards...
All of Shona's designs are hand-cut lino prints. I really love lino prints - especially things like the little marks around the monkey's tail - so much life and character. The package also included a gnome postcard that I've proudly posted on my inspiration board. Thanks Shona! I'm looking forward to many happy days wearing my gnome shirt....

More Studio Dreaminess...

Speaking of dreamy studios, check out fabric designer Heather Bailey's studio...sigh...

Studio Dreams

I mentioned a while back that I've been outgrowing my little studio. Unfortunately, this situation has not yet been addressed, but the time it's taking for my live-in carpenter to get started is giving me lots of opportunity to research my options. The main thing I need is a place to store my large sheets of paper. I can't afford fancy flat files, so I want to make my own, as pictured above. This image is from HGTV, and appeared on the show "Divine Design." I am thinking (hoping) that this will be a fairly simple project - I would even like to have two paper storage areas on either end that support a work desk. I also love the idea of an island, like the one in the corner of this picture, where I could cut my paper and have lots of storage cubbies below. I can't wait to get started, but it will probably be at least a month or so before the work begins. In the meantime, I'll be doing lots more research. Any suggestions/ideas would be welcome!

Delightful!

I found a new hat yesterday. I really like it. This photo is a bit blurry - that's sort of on purpose, I hate having my photo taken. I took about a zillion of me in my hat, and this is the only one that sort of didn't make me retch. Anyhow, I digress - I love this little hat, and it came with a small bird pin attached to the side. Someone at work told me that I look like a young Diane Keaton wearing it, so naturally - I don't want to take it off! I saw Annie Hall for the first time over the weekend and loved it, and also loved Diane Keaton as Annie. Her funky menswear look was so cute!

Also in the realm of delightful things, I got an email yesterday saying that I've been made a delightful blog! I've added the button in my sidebar, so you can go there and check out my entry (which is really lame), and also discover lots of cool blogs. Speaking of the sidebar, I've added tons of links to other blogs I read - which are all very cool, so you should check them out.

I've had a busy couple days finishing and packing books for an order, so I'm giving myself the night off to veg on the couch and watch Babel. I try to watch all the movies nominated for best film Oscar before the awards, and I missed that one at the cinema. Hope you have a nice night planned too!

Going Green

This may be old news, but I still want to share it. There is a company called greendimes, and for around ten cents a day, they will stop junk mail coming to your house and plant a tree to replace those killed by said junk mail. The service has been in the states for a while and will be available in Canada in March. We get so much junk mail here that isn't even opened, but put immediately in the recycling bin, so I'm looking forward to signing up. Also, I've got to win back some karma points for all the paper I use making my books.

For more on this green theme, check out the latest issue of domino - all about eco living and decorating, and not one bit hippy-ish in the least.

Cheerio!

Happy Kitty Bunny Pony

One of my favorite blogs, Print and Pattern, is doing an excellent series on pattern related books this week. Featured today was this book - Happy Kitty Bunny Pony. You have to love a book with a title like that! And, you have to love a blog like Print and Pattern that takes the most gorgeous prints, sometimes from unexpected sources, and brings them to us everyday. It's a wonderful resource, and it's reassuring to know that there's someone out there who's also obsessed with patterns!

Routine

Lately, I've been getting into a bit of a routine. I come home from work, have a shower, put on my trackies, eat dinner and then do at least an hour of work on my books. I like to listen to an episode of This American Life or Wiretap while I'm working. I overdosed a bit on work while preparing for Christmas, but now I find myself looking forward to coming home and doing my little routine. It's nice to be able to work slowly and methodically, without any pressures. Tonight, I folded and trimmed a bunch of accordions, and made a few books that are now happily squishing (sorry to use such a technical term) under weights. Happy and content, I'm now off to make a cup of tea and curl up on the sofa with my knitting. I just have to get better at working blogging into my daily routine!

This has nothing to do with my routine, but I just heard something really funny. A little Irish girl called Becky making a prank phone call to a wrecking company asking them to blow up her school. Listen here.

Host Hunt, anyone?

I've been reading all over the web about Top Design - that sounds like one cool show. Unfortunately, we will not be able to see this excellent program in my part of the world for about a zillion years! Fortunately, I've stumbled on CBC's Fashion File Host Hunt, and I've really been enjoying it. All the people above are competing to host CBC's Fashion File, and have to complete a number of challenges. This week, they had to look at models wearing outfits and identify the designer. Next week looks really cool - they have to do a fashion shoot using only items from Value Village. It's all really great - and 100% Canadian! So, be patriotic - join me in watching Fashion File Host Hunt, eh? (I know, that's so corny - but watch it anyway and support our national public broadcaster).

New from Paper Source

I did a biggish Paper Source order the other night. I was out of loads of flat paper, and also decided to treat myself to a teflon bone folder and a fancy paste brush from Germany. I was happy to see that they also had a number of new Japanese papers - pictured here - which of course, I could not resist. They also have a new paper colour - curry. Yum.

I have to hand it to Paper Source - they always have papers in the most trendy fashion colours and their customer service is really excellent. I wish we had a place like this locally, but I'm sure if I could walk into their shop and see everything, I would be even more tempted. Now, I just can't wait to turn these lovely papers into books!

Country Living - Women Entreprenuers Issue

I picked up the Country Living - Women Entrepreneurs issue today. It's really good, and chock full of inspiring ideas and resources for those who are running their own creative business, or aspire to do so. There are tips on setting up a craft room using found objects and repurposed items from the hardware store.

There are also images from Amy Butler's amazing studio, some of her bags are pictured above, and there are views inside the homes and businesses of creative women. My favorite story in the issue is about a potter called Joan Platt (sorry, can't find a website) who started her craft around age 40. She works in a gorgeous country studio, creating beautifully imperfect plates and bowls in shades of green and yellow. It's stories like these that keep me going when I'm questioning why I'm working so hard on my "hobby."

Anyhow, if you need an inspirational boost, you should check it out. All images above are from the Country Living site, which showcased last year's issue - which is also worth checking out, if you can still get your hands on it.

An Open Book

I've been working on editing and cropping photos for my website over the last few days. I find this work exhausting - I don't know how graphic designers cope! But, they are trained professionals and I am just fumbling around. I'd like to share a few of my favorite images from the shoot - the theme is "an open book..."

Red origami book - these always remind me of the Sydney Opera house when they're open like this...

Accordion book, featuring photos from our wedding...

Blank accordion book, waiting to be filled. Now, only about 100 more photos to edit. At this rate, I will launch the site in 2009! So, it's back to work...

Craft Booth Design for Bookbinders

There is a great post today over on the Rag & Bone blog all about setting up their display booth at the New York International Gift Fair. Rag & Bone are a bindery on Rhode Island, and their blog is a great resource for anyone interested in bookbinding and paper arts. Anyhow, this post goes into great detail about how they designed their booth - it's very beautiful, and they have some amazing ideas on attracting customers and positioning other items with your products. It really puts the double happiness booth, pictured above, to shame. I may have to put some of their ideas to work for my next show.

An Unintended Break

I took an unintended blogging break this week. I'm not sure exactly what happened - things just seemed to get away from me, and suddenly, it's around a week since I last posted. It's been a good week - I celebrated my 35th birthday (!) yesterday by having a relaxing day, being waited on hand and foot, and then going out to dinner. I had Friday off work, and treated myself to a facial, massage and haircut - I've never had such a self-indulgent day, so it was really nice. I love my new haircut - it's really just a trim, but I love having my hair cut, it always feels so fresh and new.

Of course, I got lovely presents. My dad and stepmom came over for a visit with a giant basket filled with cheese, wine, grapes and a baguette - they know me so well! Martin gave me a book I've been wanting to read called "The Custodian of Paradise" by Wayne Johnston. It's a follow up to one of my favorite books "The Colony of Unrequited Dreams" and features my favorite character from that book, so I'm really looking forward to reading it.

Today, it's back to work, cleaning the house, trying to get my new website up and running, some reading and perhaps, knitting a bit on the scarf pictured above that I'm making for Martin. Just a lovely, puttery (not sure if that's a word), relaxing Sunday in my little house, looking at the snow falling outside.