Saturday, February 27, 2010

is it spring yet? *

Today was such a beautiful sunny Saturday, but if there's one thing I know about this time of year in Oklahoma, it's that we'll be wearing shorts one day and pulling out our wool coats the next. This afternoon D worked on getting our garden ready to plant, and found a little bunch of surprise carrots, hooray! I worked on finishing up this necklace with one of the mussel shell pendents I made a couple of weeks ago.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

tiny town terrarium

When I was a kid, I was really into making tiny towns and houses. Some examples of my childhood mini mania would include; an elaborate abode for a Quazimodo figurine, a petite Pueblo Indian village, and in second grade, I built an efficiency apartment for a troll pencil topper in my flip top school desk. I could go on, but I'll spare you. Maybe I'm regressing, but I prefer to think of this recent project as a revisiting of a former love.
There's something so romantic about a little house or village in the middle of nowhere. Look at this house all alone on a rock in the sea. Found on A Cup of Jo.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

new work *

If you've been following me, then chances are you've caught a glimpse of these embroidered panels here and there. These pics represent some semblance of their final form, but I'm not sure I'm quite there yet. I really crave that "done" moment, but somehow it always seems to elude me. You know, when you stand back, look at your piece, cock your head, raise your arms dramatically and declare "FIN!" OK maybe people don't really do that, but you know what I mean.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

happy day *

Hope you're having fun with your friends, family and sweethearts. I just wanted to share the lovely valentine that D made for me. Too sweet for words. Happy Valentine's Day.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

how small are the things we keep?

I've been super restless working/staring/finishing multiple projects. One project I've recently completed is a sort of collection portrait of my dad. I've been wanting to do this since I took the glasses pictures, but hadn't been back home to do it until recently. I don't know that my dad would have called these collections. He'd probably say he "saved" rather than say he "collected"- either way, these little keepers say a lot about him and mean a lot to me.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

mussel bound *

Today, my helpful and industrious friend Grant lent me a hand in making these neat mussel shell pendents (thanks Grant!). A couple of years ago, while D was assisting a PhD student with a thesis project on Oklahoma river mussels, he collected dozens of shells for me to use in a project that never came to fruition. I'm excited about their new prospects!

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

envy overload: royal deluxe

Last night, while looking at photos of my friend Sarah Warmker's Chilean travels, I was suddenly overcome by jealousy. Sarah was lucky enough to witness a street performance by the incomparable "Royal Deluxe" and captured these great images.

This elusive troop is internationally know for their enormous marionettes and elaborate public productions. If you haven't seen them in action, you simply must. This is one of my favorite videos, but there are dozens more to check out on YouTube. Enjoy!

Monday, February 1, 2010

beware bitter hearts *

I love Valentine's Day. What can I say, I'm a sucker for the flowers, the hand written notes, the sugar induced belly aches - the whole deal. Aren't these valentines lovely? Perfect for any pal, sweetheart, or overly possessive lover.
"Your Crazy Emotional Needs Give My Life Purpose" from Owly Shadow Puppets (found on Aesthetic Outburst)
Cycling sweethearts from Paper Cuts by Joe
Lover leaves by Jenny Lee Fowler
Last but not least "This is for You," a book by one of my very favorite artists, who also has a gift for writing sweet prose, Mr. Rob Ryan (blog).