a sick day well spent *

Nothing makes you feel more gentile than sitting propped up in bed doing embroidery and nothing makes you feel less so than using toilet paper as Kleenex. Maybe it's the fact that I spent most of my sick day finishing up these ^, writing letters and listening to an audio book of "Pride and Prejudice" but I can't for the life of me stop thinking in a victorian accent.

oh baby *

Today, I went to a friend's baby shower so I guess I've got babies on the brain, other people's babies that is. Doesn't this movie look great?- an interesting peek into how different cultures raise their little ones, and stunning cinematography. If there happen to be any puppy and/or kitten cameos in this movie, I just might explode.

almost christmas *

working on some hand-made Christmas gifts, more to come...

story time/art show *

Recently, New York based artist, Dennis McNett of Howling Print Studios did an awesome collaborative project with the printmaking department. My old professor Curtis Jones shared with me a funny story told to him by McNett.

McNett's niece and nephew often request that he draw tattoos on them. On one such occasion, McNett told them to think of two four letter words for him to write on their knuckles. Knuckle tattoos are of course traditionally reserved for four letter words with well, a certain tough guy quality, words you might want someone to read just before your punch landed on their face. Think, "THUG. LIFE." or "HELL. BENT." Anyway, McNett said his 6 year old niece thought for second, then in a moment of illumination stated matter-of-factly, "BABY. DOGS."

ahhh, if only little girls ruled the world, right?

so, in honor of Dennis McNett's presumably adorable six year old niece, the printmakers will install an exhibition entitled "Baby Dogs" in the Lightwell over X-mas break. The show will be up from Dec. 14 through Jan. 8, stop by for a look. Here is the front of a postcard I designed for the show, with a photo taken by Curtis Jones.

guerilla knitting *

I love street art, but I just don't see myself spray painting or wheat pasting in a dark ally. More and more, urban artists are gaining recognition in the contemporary art community, I think it's important to recognize this uniquely feminine take on what is for the most part an aggressive and male dominated art form.

Even the stickliest stickler would probably melt into a pool of giggles if confronted by a lamp post wearing a sweater, I know I would.

Check out this, this and this.

papermation *

OK, so I love a good paper cut, not the kind that hurts, the kind that's pretty to look at. Artist Jen Stark, does amazingly fabulous paper sculpture, and last night I stumbled across her lovely papermation on the Constant Gatherer. I love that quirky music too, hypnotic isn't it?

wouldn't this be nice? *

I found this not too long ago- a clever idea and a sweet ride!

cheap thrills *

I've been experiencing a lot of jewelry lust and envy lately (that's two deadly sins you know). Instead of squandering my very limited coin, I've been gathering up things I already have around the house and working on these little pretties. The middle one is my favorite. It's made from washers sewn onto grosgrain ribbon with embroidery thread- so easy to make. I like it as a short or long necklace, a belt, or even as a headband. The key was a little gift from my friends Reese and Margaret. Most of the beads are from Reese's great shop, The Wild Hare Beadery.