I'm Blushing

I love flickr. I started using it as a marketing tool but it rapidly became a daily treat to look at. It's a lovely way to catch glimpses into the lives and brains of other designers and artists. I am quite attached to the "Notes" feature where you can leave little messages on pictures - it's as if life is a comic strip and I can pen in little thought balloons.

But I digress. The other day rhembein found me on flickr and wrote this very flattering blog post about it (which is why I'm blushing). There were all sorts of harmonic convergences in our meeting, including the fact that the island where she lives is one I visited on my honeymoon!

Ooooh, she's an amazing designer:

photo originally uploaded by rhembein

You can see more of her gorgeous creations at her site. Hurry, go check them out!

Thanks so much for the the lovely blogpost, rhembein!

Tools of the Trade

One of the wisest things my husband has ever taught me is “Tape is cheap.” He’s a music composer and sound designer for theatre and back in the antiquated days of analog he used a lot of reel-to-reel tape for his recordings. Basically, I think he means it’s worth the investment in tools (in his case, tape) to get the best end result possible. This little catch phrase is so applicable to other areas of life – I just recently applied it to my sewing studio. First, I invested in a sleek pair of Gingher scissors. After years of hacking away with an old pair of shears, cutting and trimming is now a new-found joy. Next, I purchased a soapstone marking pencil. Now I can actually see and remove my markings without glaring sunlight and a pink eraser. Finally, I found a lovely and sizeable handmade pincushion, made by loosestring at Etsy. It’s just the right size to fit in front of my machine and it can hold pins galore. I’m finding that great tools add as much joy to the process of making things as finishing them.

Seller Shoutout: Hollyhawk

Photo from hollyhawk's etsy shop

Here is one of my favorite purchases from Etsy: hollyhawk's Floret leather cuff in plum. I love the color, the print and the width. It is impeccably crafted. Wearing it makes me feel girly and hip for which I'm eternally grateful, since my latest look is careworn and haphazard. Thanks Holly!

ps. I just discovered Holly's blog!